Years ago, when I was a student deaconess serving a new church on the Canadian prairies, I can remember that the only person who had grey hair was the organist. Now, I look around in church, and most people have grey hair. I am saddened to … Read more
Archive for August, 2017
Designer Shells
My interest in box turtles seems to be having an effect on those around me. They want to know more about one of the most charming and docile creatures on this planet. Some of my friends enjoy giving me gifts with a turtle theme. I've … Read more
The Shared Mind
My collie, Bonnie, and my retriever, Sophie, were born only two months apart. They are now almost four years old, but what a handful they were the first couple of years. Training them to work together was a challenge, until they … Read more
Field Workers
This summer, I had an opportunity to visit my friend who, with her husband, volunteers at a Christian retreat camp as caretaker. As we casually strolled over the rolling property, she pointed to a wooded area down the hill. "That's the … Read more
Wanted: Tender Hearts
Recently, I did something unusual. I wrote to a media commentator appealing for mercifulness in his rhetorical style. I offered this reason: Our adversarial world desperately needs moral exemplars — those who consistently exemplify the … Read more
The Truth And Us
The Holy Spirit impressed this verse upon my heart when I first asked Christ into my life. More recently, as I have been asking Him to reveal more of my inner self to me — the good, the bad and the ugly — He has brought this verse back … Read more
What Lies Ahead
Sometimes, I wonder why God brought me from Scotland to become a pastor in the United States. The trans-Atlantic move initially disrupted our family and caused some painful separation from our friends, but I believe that God's hand was … Read more
God's Kindness And Sternness
I often listen to a Christian radio station located in upstate New York, USA. Their tagline is "God's Presence is with you giving you eternal life". Those words are like a hug from God just for me. I like to think that God's Presence will … Read more
Once Upon A Time
It is a beautiful evening. The sky is painted with brush strokes of deep purple and orange, with splashes of pink throughout the expanse. The waves create a melodious chant, as they gently kiss the shoreline. The wind is warm as it blows … Read more
Free From The Fowler's Snare
Last month, a baby robin fell out of its nest in my backyard. I tried to put it back, but the tiny residence was overcrowded; there was simply no room. Fortunately, this bird was fully feathered and nearly ready to fly. In the meantime, … Read more
Pointed In The Right Direction
Though I could see the tower from my front porch, its being near did me little good. My wife and I were living in a small town in the South Carolina Lowcountry. Like many others, we had decided to forego a landline and use our cellphones … Read more
The Tree Of Life
I have a goji berry bush, the fruit of which is highly antioxidant, long used in Chinese medicine, and also used to make jam. The plant is now as tall as I am. I fertilize it, but I've yet to see any fruit. Those at the nursery suggested … Read more
Home At Last!
This summer, you may have experienced the relief of coming home from a holiday trip. You breathed a sigh when you crossed the threshold into your familiar abode. You could relax and merge into familiar surroundings. You were home at last. … Read more
Unseen Blessings
A country church in our area has one of those signs which gets changed periodically. Some time ago, it displayed this saying: "Count your blessings, not your troubles." I thought that statement was a really good message. It made me think … Read more
Spanish Lesson
Christ's teaching influences my whole life, but some parts of the gospels directly relate to what I do as a Presbyterian minister. Much of the criticism that Jesus had for the religious clerics of His time still applies today, and I … Read more
God's Word In The World
One day as I was puttering around my study at home, I came upon a little cardboard box that had been tossed into a box of books carted from my mother's apartment when she needed nursing home care. Inside the box tied with string, there … Read more
Down In The Dumps
Sometimes, when situations arise over which I have no control, and I feel particularly overwhelmed, retreating to the comfort of my bed is wonderful. It is especially nice if I am having a good dream. In our dreams, we escape from pain and … Read more
In His Presence
One of the most precious memories from my marriage was experienced during our first holiday in Europe. My husband decided very hurriedly that we should take a trip to Rome, Italy. When this plan was mentioned to my sister-in-law over the … Read more
Wanting What I Want … Now
I sat in my recliner and watched injustice raise its ugly head. Six balls of various sizes floated around our den. More than enough for each of our three grandboys to have more than one. But they wanted the same one. Our youngest … Read more
Remember, Remember
If you grew up "across the puddle" (the Atlantic Ocean), you'll remember this childhood rhyme: Remember, remember, the fifth of November: Gunpowder, treason and plot. I know of no reason why gunpowder, treason Should ever be forgot. … Read more
A Great Divide
"Left" versus "right" — these two ideological sides are splitting apart our world with increasing intensity. I find this unsettling. Perhaps it's because there's no actual midpoint, no fixed place where a plumb line of truth can rest and … Read more
The This I Know People
Last month, my friend, Anne, and I chose Jesus Loves Me as the topic for our children's sermon. It has been said that Jesus Loves Me is one of the best-loved Christian children's hymns around the world. So many interesting stories … Read more
In The Desert
"Return to Me." I heard a voice speaking from somewhere. When I first started writing for the PresbyCan Daily Devotional, I was inspired. I wrote, or more importantly, I was granted inspiration to share what God had done in my life. … Read more
A Saint's Legacy
Recently, I attended a beautiful memorial service for Pastor Tom, a Baptist pastor who had a ministry to marginalized people living with addictions or untreated mental illness, or in poverty, in the city of Victoria, British Columbia, … Read more
Advice From The Wrong Source
To buy or not to buy, that was the question. I was three years in on a four-year car mortgage when the transmission on my Chevrolet Corsica began slipping. Those were the days when cars themselves were constructed better but the engines … Read more
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