For many years, we lived on a fairly large property on the outskirts of town. Part of the property was bush, with both hardwood and softwood trees, as well as the various kinds of brush that grow in those places. The Northern White Cedar, … Read more

When I lived in Port Hope, Ontario, Canada, some years ago, the local Ministerial Association invited a prominent minister to lead a series of evangelistic meetings. The speaker wasn't Billy Graham, but he was well-known, and so, his visit … Read more

The day appeared calm enough, but the elements soon released their hidden fury. My brother and I — along with my daughter — set out early for a ten-mile hike on the Appalachian Trail. At the five-mile point, we planned to set up camp … Read more

A few months ago, I attended my first-ever women's event at my church. The evening was empowering, and it felt good to connect with other Christian women. However, I hadn't always had a positive attitude about church in the past. When I … Read more

Have you considered adding your friends to your list of assets? That's what they are — in some way or other. I'm learning to value friendships through watching older folk express their commitment to each other. They check on each other, … Read more

During just two weeks last year, my life suddenly overflowed with problems. My washing machine died for the third time in a few months after $170 in repairs. I was overwhelmingly busy, teaching Bible studies, finishing a pile of charity … Read more

I recently asked my two great-grandsons, "Why did God give us tears?" The three-year-old answered, "Because we're crying", and the six-year-old said, "Hmmm, I got it! Because when we're sad we can't just make a noise. We have to make a … Read more

Recently, I have been up a ladder making adjustments to my satellite dish, to see if I could get a better signal from the receiver for the television. The signal needs to be strong enough for the receiver to receive it and the quality … Read more

My grandfather made a shelf to go above my bed to hold my tiny collection of Golden Books and four Storybook dolls. In the fourth grade, I earned a little money here and there. With it, I bought my first Bible. I was so proud of it, and I … Read more

Because I was an athlete in my younger years, God often uses sporting illustrations to teach me spiritual truths — they resonate with me. I was reminded of one of those when we took the grandkids to the swimming pool during March … Read more

This was my Scripture on the day when we flew to England this spring. It was very encouraging! Our plan was to visit several places, but not to rely on family — separated by considerable distances — to drive us. The plan included … Read more

In the early days of the Internet, there was a handwritten letter in my mailbox. I hadn't seen anyone put it there, but I opened it without much thought. Then, like an icy deluge, its words poured over me, accusing, condemning, judging — … Read more

I was asked to write about the lessons that I learned while I was living with a broken arm. Here is one prayer that I prayed in various ways through my trauma, based on today's verse: Lord, I grasp for You now … where before I only … Read more

A lady here in town had just come back from having cataract surgery. While out and about, she met a friend and excitedly exclaimed that she could actually see her friend's eyelashes! She was quite thrilled with this new clarity of sight … Read more

I turn God into whatever I think of Him. Dad was a harsh disciplinarian — at least when I was young. I'm not sure where his ideas of discipline sprang from, because he didn't copy the pattern of his parents or grandparents. Dad went by … Read more

Imagine a long, endless line stretching in both directions far into infinity. Everything that God has created has its place somewhere along the spectrum of this line. In one direction, it stretches far away into deep outer space with all … Read more

I live in a home that is occupied largely by seniors. There are frequent changes, with people departing and others moving in. Change, as expected, brings stress. The other day, an older lady (with her family) was inspecting a unit on my … Read more

Since I was a child, it has been a dream of mine to be a writer. I wrote my first poem at age ten and continued writing throughout my teens. During my university studies, some of my work was published in one of the campus magazines. … Read more

There's an annoying patch in our front lawn where, year after year, weeds keep thriving, but lush grass won't grow. This spring I'm dissipating my frustration through a devotional — beginning with a Scripture reference to the problem: … Read more

Many moons ago, I was employed as a substitute teacher at a nearby Christian daycare. The regular teacher needed to take some additional training classes, and I would be filling in the K-4 K-5 class until she returned. I asked the … Read more

After a Sunday lunch of baked salmon, it fell to me to wash up. Imagine my surprise when our non-stick silicone baking mat was no longer as originally intended. Years of baking had left a layer of brown residue to which the salmon skin … Read more

God sent the Holy Spirit to the believers when they were gathering together. During church services or prayer gatherings, when believers are with one accord, God commands blessings. Even when families are gathering together and they get … Read more

I love to look at racks of sunglasses and reading glasses in store displays because there are so many styles and colours. But I've learned that there is a very special pair of glasses to interpret the Word of God that I can't buy. It is … Read more

I walked down the road to visit a neighbour, but she was not home. As I turned to leave, the young woman next door hurried towards me, visibly upset. She was carrying her two-week-old premature baby. She had left her four-year-old son to … Read more

Here in North America, society seems to be evolving to a state where everyone — irrespective of gender, race, culture, religion, or political views — has equal freedom to hold and practice their beliefs. Simultaneously, however, … Read more

It was a bright, sunny day at the beach, a perfect day to relax and read. Yet the glare of the sun was so intense that my sunglasses weren't enough to block its powerful rays. As I shielded my eyes, today's verse came to mind: "The Lord … Read more

Often in these days of old age, with pains and lack of sleep, I may decide to have a stay-in-my-pyjamas day. Of course, that is just the day when someone will drop by. One day, my daughter happened to drop in on one of her quick visits. I … Read more

In the last twenty years, the Church of Scotland has sadly lost 40 percent of its membership. Britain is becoming more secular as each year passes. Despite trying to accommodate worldly and cultural views into its organization, the Church … Read more

I don't drink or use drugs, but I do admit that I have an addiction: using food to numb my reality, effectively committing suicide with a knife and fork. Being overly impulsive and compulsive goes along with that. Right after … Read more

When a broken arm put an end to my driving for several months, I felt that life as I knew it was over. I was wrong, of course. Life went on in a new direction, highly supported by others who drove me where I needed to go. Our life's road … Read more