Think back to the last time you experienced a thunderstorm. Think of the lightning, and then the thunder — sometimes, a low rumbling sound a long way off, and other times, a loud, terrifying CRACK when the storm is near. What did you …( read more )

About 25 years ago, the small church group that my mom belonged to changed their Thursday evening format. Instead, the leader suggested that they pray for family salvation. That Sunday, I had to work, and after my shift, I went down to …( read more )

Like most folks, I try not to let things distress or disturb me, but when they do, my prayers are peppered with worries and anxieties, which make it difficult to focus on my problem or really ask God for help. As a pastor, I should know …( read more )

"I would never do that! No, not me!" Hasn't that thought at some point drifted across your mind, maybe after seeing how badly someone messed up? I've had such thoughts more than I care to admit. On those occasions, I simply couldn't see …( read more )

In many states in the USA, capital punishment is legal but uncommon. The means is usually by lethal injection, and it is conducted quietly and privately. In contrast, capital punishment during Roman times was often public, and could be …( read more )

I'm a romantic. I love to read Christian romance books. I enjoy watching Hallmark movies. I love happy endings! The greatest love story ever written is God's love story. God is a good, good Father — it's who He is. How amazing is this …( read more )

Rarely is there a newscast that doesn't carry a story of people being saved from burning homes, terrific car crashes, acts of violence, or other incidents which would have resulted in a different outcome had it not been for the valiant …( read more )

A game show on television named The Price Is Right is the world's longest-running game show with episodes five days a week. The contestants can win cash and prizes by guessing the price of various products without going over. It is …( read more )

A number of years ago, in the dark of a winter's morning, an owl attempted to make off with one of my miniature long-haired dachshunds. Fortunately, it did not succeed, and I learned and implemented a valuable lesson. A neighbour showed …( read more )

The day was sunny and warm, and because we have big picture windows, the sun warmed up our living room quite nicely and also showed me the dust bunnies that had accumulated on my end tables, my coffee table, and my laminate floor. I …( read more )

Death. Funerals. They're both a part of what I experience as a full-time vocational minister. I don't enjoy either of them, but they come with the territory. Death comes to the young, the old, and all ages in between. Comforting those who …( read more )

I awoke on Saturday night close to 12:00 a.m. with sharp pain in a tooth. After forcing aspirin chips into a tiny cavity that I had previously not known existed, I slept until 6:00 a.m. when pain awoke me. More aspirin chips got me active …( read more )

I appreciate church services that are thoughtfully planned and well directed. I enjoy good music and lots of interesting material. But is it possible that the devil sometimes uses our good plans and activities to get in the way of …( read more )

A church in Canada that I used to be associated with became known as the "immigrant church" because the elders decided to assist people from other nations. In these countries, those we helped could routinely be sent to "re-education …( read more )

One Sunday morning, we were about to leave the house for church when we came to a sudden halt. There was a small puddle on the floor of the mud room. Looking up, we discovered a slow drip from a pipe hidden in the ceiling. This would not …( read more )

One recent Sunday morning, our worship leader began the service with an apology. She said that in delivering the message the week before, she had confused two Bible stories, placing a character from one into the other. Someone from the …( read more )

Lost and found boxes never cease to amaze me. Scarves, hats, gloves, mittens, jackets, bathing suits, swim towels, umbrellas, and baseball gloves are some of the items that I've seen in these boxes in different locations. Such an …( read more )

I have an entire collection of Walt Disney classic movies on VHS videotape that either I purchased or were given to me as gifts. All my children and grandchildren have enjoyed watching them over the years. But technology changes, and a VHS …( read more )

How many times have you heard someone say, "Did you see that? The pastor just walked right by me and didn't even say hello!" How many times do we get offended because the pastor didn't live up to our expectations or include us in whatever …( read more )

With a sigh, my wife called to tell me that the garbage disposal unit under our kitchen sink had broken. This was just the beginning. For four years, we've rented our patio townhouse. Not long after moving here, we noticed various types …( read more )

Every year, come mid-winter, when I am out cleaning the corral in the freezing cold, I contemplate selling the livestock. But as each year goes by, I find that I contemplate this plan for a shorter and shorter span. Why? Because I am …( read more )

After the death of Billy Graham on February 21st, many articles appeared in various newspapers and online, and one evening, we also watched a documentary on television about his crusades. At his funeral, his son, Franklin Graham, said …( read more )

As I sat lazily sipping my morning coffee, a sudden movement outside my large bay window caught my eye. There was a little black squirrel, scampering down the trunk of a large tree and across the patches of grass showing through the …( read more )

Every Wednesday during Lent, the church where I attend offers a soup lunch and Bible study. Last week was my turn to provide and serve the soup. Although not a huge task, making soup from scratch can take a bit of time and preparation. I …( read more )

Taking on a group of teenagers who may be teetering between questioning or adopting their religious beliefs would be daunting for many, especially — one would think — for a young, newly married minister. It might have been easier, …( read more )

It was a crisp, luminous winter's day when we ventured out of the city for a drive. Hawks were perched prominently in the treetops. Just outside a barn door stood a huddle of cattle absorbing the sun's warmth. It was a glorious morning, …( read more )

I have been through a difficult season in my life, and I am on the other side of it. Life is healthier and happier, and definitely saner! But I find myself still "stuck" — no longer in the old way, but not yet on a new path. I pray, …( read more )

The movement caught my eye. I was getting out of my friend's car to go to our Bible study and was looking down to see where I could safely place my feet. It had been a long winter, and everything seemed so dull and grey and lifeless. …( read more )

She was at the lowest point that I had ever seen. It was mid-winter, and her Seasonal Affective Disorder (SADS) was visiting the full force of its power on her. At first, I did not know how to help her to fight her way through the deeply …( read more )

I have a problem with joy. It's supposed to be a fruit of the Holy Spirit, and since I have believed in Jesus Christ, I have the Holy Spirit within me. So, I should feel His joy, right? You guessed it: I don't. Or do I? Maybe I'm …( read more )

In the wake of the tragic Parkland massacre, high school students in the United States have been much in the daily news. Young people are gravely concerned about the violence and want to make changes. Their voice is raw with intense …( read more )