Some years ago, we had the privilege of doing a "Cities of the Reformation" tour, where we heard a lot about the different reformers of that time so many years ago. The last city that we visited was Geneva, Switzerland, where John Calvin, … Read more

One week prior to my high school graduation, the Pennsylvania State University awarded me entrance into the College of Art as an applied art major. As an upstart, studying the masters of art, from the classics to the contemporary, was … Read more

During the recent Canadian federal election, several candidates were forced to withdraw after comments they had made on social media surfaced. These comments, which were thoughtless, ill-considered, and sometimes offensive and hateful, … Read more

I surely love the song, "Wonderful grace of Jesus"; the music alone fills me with joy and gladness. But understanding God's grace is not easy, for it takes honesty: it's not me that shines through what I do today, but God does, for … Read more

Accepting another person doesn't necessarily mean accepting their beliefs or practices. Accepting someone whose beliefs or practices aren't the same as mine isn't easy. For example, growing up, I was taught that Sunday was a sacred day. … Read more

As usual, Bonnie and Sophie, my two-year-old collie and retriever, were outside on the property enjoying themselves as they kept an eye on the livestock. And just as usual, I was diligently keeping an eye on them. Even though they are … Read more

There is an old preacher's story about the little girl who brought her friend to worship with her one Sunday. When her friend started to talk out loud, the girl said, "You have to be quiet or the hushers will come for you." My weekly … Read more

Dents happen. They happen to our freshly painted walls, our cars, our fine furniture, and other things that we cherish. At least, these are the dents that we notice: dents in the things that matter to us. This past summer, I painted some … Read more

I had a dream. In my dream, I was walking on the sidewalk, up a hill, looking into storefront window displays. I stopped at one window, which was a jewelry store, and gazed at all the various items and precious stones that were on display. … Read more

Time is a constituent of life. We cannot stop it or reverse it. From the creation narrative surrounding today's verse, it is clear that time is good and God-ordained. A part of this time experience is seasons. God has given punctuation … Read more

I envy the first Christians. Their faith seemed very simple and straightforward. They worshipped and studied the Scriptures each day, and made time to frequently share meals and break bread together. They weren't encumbered with almost … Read more

The area where I work is dotted with large lots and homes. There aren't many fences, but there are a lot of dogs that all remain on their property as we walk by. Recently, I was on a walk with a lady that I support, and three dogs were … Read more

If I thought it, I was wrong. No one ever said that leading was easy or popular. I had been chosen as the leader of a local organization. Accepting the position required moving almost three hours away. Since my wife and I felt the Lord … Read more

I have lately developed the habit of looking at the stained glass windows in the different churches that I visit. There is a great variety of them, and I am amazed at the different biblical scenes and symbols which are displayed in the … Read more

Despite delays in waiting for medical procedures, my legs have recovered sufficiently that I feel strong enough to walk down The Trail again. As I write, it is the first day of fall, and absolutely gorgeous! The sights! The sounds! The … Read more

It was 4 a.m., and I was driving through the depth of darkness toward my place of employment. I enjoyed my job, but as I motored along, I suddenly realized how indifferent and hardened my heart was becoming in regards to those whom I … Read more

Do you find the biblical account of Jonah and the fish hard to swallow? If so, you're not alone. Those who are shaped by western secularism naturally find it hard to swallow. In such an environment, God's people are tempted to avoid this … Read more

Whenever my husband and I travel upstate to visit our son, we pass by a home that has a sign on the front lawn. In bold, red letters, it says, "Psychic Readings". Then underneath, it advertises, "$10 special". The sign always brings back … Read more

I recall preaching on the above verse at the anniversary of a church that had closed years and years before. Each year, there was an anniversary service to honour the prairie pioneers who had built the church and built up the faith in the … Read more

Not too long ago, I was going through a very dry spell of not writing. I am a writer, and not being able to write is like losing my best friend in a dark, thick forest. As hard as I would try to find my friend, I just couldn't find her. I … Read more

Sometimes, I feel so rotten that I just want God to call me home. After losing my friend Dorothy, I am lonely and tired of hanging in there. This isn't just me talking this way, I know. Many singles in their eighties are feeling the … Read more

While reading today's verse, I started wondering what mighty acts of God have happened since the Bible was written, which could be told to the upcoming generation. I can list several things: the reformation of Christianity under leaders … Read more

The morning was beautiful; we had no reason to expect a storm. My brother, two children, and I had set out for an overnight camping trip on the Appalachian Trail (AT). No sooner had we reached the gap where we were planning to camp than … Read more

During the summer holidays, we were away with the children, staying near the beach at Sutton-on-Sea in Lincolnshire. There are long, straight, sandy beaches hardly used outside of the town. We had a lovely time playing in the sand, eating … Read more

During this past spring and summer, I travelled in the area where we live to lead services in different Presbyterian churches. There is a lot of cultivated farm land in this area, and it seems that the majority of the crops being grown … Read more

My horse, Frank, is a nosy parker. "Nosy parker" is an old expression for one who has to have their nose into everybody else's business. Whenever I am working in the corral or out on the property where he is grazing, his nose is not far … Read more

A new pastor was settling into a new church. The toilet wouldn't work so he called the plumber. The next day he found a broken light switch so he called the electrician. On Sunday, the president of the church council said, "You know, the … Read more

"The facts" have an uncanny way of stalling us. Discussion shuts down. The imagination becomes closed to possibilities outside of perceived parameters. "The facts" can rivet us to dull, predictable limits. "The facts" can sink us into a … Read more

What was that old adage about turning lemons into lemonade? How easy that is to say. The problem is that when you are down, you don't want to get up! Emotions run high and low. Some people have a legitimate reason for their sorrow, it is … Read more

Here is a poem that I wrote: My friend is a special person Who accepts me the way I am. My friend can see who I can be. My friend laughs and cries with me. My friend is always honest, Even though the words spoken hurt me at times. My … Read more

Every day, I look at my Facebook page. Because most of my family live 3,000 miles away in Scotland, it's about the only regular contact I have with them. I like to read their comments and see what they are doing. I like to share a few … Read more