Recently, I attended a tent revival meeting, and the evangelist made a statement that really surprised me. To paraphrase, he said that he doesn't concern himself about the contentious issues between the church and the world. The Bible is … Read more

This summer, my brother and I had two roofs to re-shingle. Before we could start, however, the old rolled roofing needed to be removed. Why? Because the weight of the old roofing plus the weight of the new roofing could prove to be too … Read more

What is your favourite Bible story? Yes, I know that there are many from which to choose. But humour me for a minute and ask yourself, "What story sings to my heart or challenges my mind?" One of my favourites is found in 2 Kings 5. It is … Read more

In preparing for a discussion group in the fall on the early years of the church, I have been looking over the Book of Acts. I see that the apostles went through a time of persecution that would have been very disheartening, were it not … Read more

In the 1970s, we moved our European/Middle East head office to London, England. We had some big projects on the go, and we were in need of a payroll person to calculate the weekly and monthly payroll for all our employees, both in the … Read more

One thing that I've learned in my journey with God is that He always builds on what went before. There's a sequence or a pattern to each adventure — and the Christian journey is always an adventure! When we're undecided about the … Read more

Cars lined blocks of curbsides as several hundred of us teachers converged at an inner-city school to sit as pupils and hear experts of our profession. I watched closely for a parking spot for my sky-blue Malibu as I drove slowly along a … Read more

Stones and words have one peculiar feature in common, which I realized after hearing a mom share this story: My four children and I were on an expedition to pick wild berries. I happened to turn over a stone and let the children see what … Read more

Every spring around Memorial Day, I arrive at the cemetery where my parents, brother, and husband are buried, to discover nearly obscured tombstones. Due to abundant rain and warmer temperatures, quack grass quickly sprouts from one tiny … Read more

The e-mail response to my recent devotional of July 2nd, regarding my total hip replacement surgery, was overwhelming, as many readers were apparently able to relate to my plight. Now, in following up, I wish to share how God made all … Read more

I'm usually awake before each sunrise, so I get to watch the sun's red glow permeate slowly across the morning sky. It is a peaceful and sacred time which helps me get into the right frame of mind for my daily work. Soaking in a sunrise … Read more

As editor, publisher, and deliverer of our little town's newspaper, I am always amazed at the number of people who look forward with expectation to its publication every other Wednesday. The paper usually consists of a mere 4-16 pages, … Read more

During the last few years, as I have lost a lot of weight, I have had trouble with my false teeth, putting up with their inability to do the job accurately without a good fit. They are too big! Not being able to eat meat and certain … Read more

He was a godly man, but suffering caused him to question God's purposes. Ted was driving down the road one day, doing what he did best: visiting members of his church. Though he didn't feel quite right that morning, he decided to work … Read more

My wife and I know a dear woman who loves to garden, for her gardening brings her closer to God's creation. She often expresses her work in her flower garden in terms that are reminiscent of a person's quiet time. Can you worship God when … Read more

During the 1970s, the pipeline engineering firm for which I worked had a big contract with a French firm, and we had two offices in Paris. As head of the financial division of our firm, I made many trips to our offices. One evening, on the … Read more

When I was a little girl, maybe about three-and-a-half years of age, some of my family and some visiting cousins, children, and adults were on a patch of grassy-green yard just beyond our kitchen doorsteps. It was a beautiful, … Read more

I have noticed that more and more people are carrying a water bottle with them at all times, when they are walking or jogging, driving the car, in church, and at sports events. We are often reminded that water is good for us, even when … Read more

Today's verse reminds me of advice that I found years ago in a children's book on science. I've forgotten both the title and author's name, but I did preserve this quotation: One of the hardest things for any of us to admit is that we … Read more

It has been quite some time since I sat down and started writing again. I was leafing through my journal and noticed similarities in my thought pattern and entries: March 4, 2015 – It has been a long time since I made myself to take time … Read more

For the past five years, I have been attending a Bible study with a friend, in the church where she is a member. Although I am an "outsider" in the group, I continue to enjoy this class because its members are warm and welcoming. The … Read more

We have all heard of temptation, but have you ever heard of Temptations® cat treats? Recently, I sent away for two of their "Snacky Mice" treat holders as a promotional, one for my cat Sweetheart, and one for her friend. I filled up both … Read more

After a few weeks of hanging around with him, I began to wonder who was influencing whom. My father had just returned to the denomination of his upbringing and had been called as interim pastor at the church that he had attended as a … Read more

I was so pleased with my flower baskets and how they were coming along. The vibrant colours brightened up the front and side of the house so nicely. Although I had somewhat begrudged the money that they had cost me, I was delighted with … Read more

Looking back over the years, I note the number of times when I have felt ill, weak, and off balance. As I write, my health speaks to me of pain and frustration. I feel as if I just can't do it. I don't trust my own ability to get the job … Read more

The story of the prodigal son is well entrenched in our faith community. You know how it goes: From time to time, we hear of that age-old story in our contemporary families. However, we get some good news, as Jesus' story does a … Read more

Most often, I am an "all-or-nothing" person: either in or out. Whilst I happily recognize the reality of shades of grey in life's arena, I make my choices: I am impulsive, impatient, and confrontational. I want everything done ASAP, … Read more

I used to think that I should cheerfully take on any job my church asked of me. But when I was asked to do tasks that I really wasn't suited for, I began to be resentful. With so few workers in my church, after a few years, I was burned … Read more

This devotional was inspired by the devastating forest fire at Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada. Sometimes, God is like a forest fire in how He manages His church. To us, a forest fire is intensely destructive because it consumes hectares … Read more

This past couple of years has been a struggle for me. My rapidly deteriorating arthritic hips and knees have made it difficult for me to function as usual, and now, I have recently had a total right hip replacement. Instead of thanking God … Read more

Recently, I visited my daughter's family in rural northern Alberta, Canada. As is customary during these visits, I took my grandchildren to the playground at the school nearby. Hardly do these happy children realize how special it is in … Read more