Through media reports of displaced refugees, and even close to home, we are confronted with the poor in the world on a daily basis. I was discussing this with a friend one day, and we concluded that each one of us in our own way would try … Read more

On our narrow street recently, there were two cars parked, across the street and at each end of the bus stop. As I neared the first parked car, a bus was pulling up to its stop on the other side. Not being in a rush, and having seen the … Read more

For every gift, there is usually both a donor and a recipient. Normally, the donor willingly gives a possession and welcomes a positive and grateful response. If the recipient makes good use of the gift, it pleases the donor. If the … Read more

Regardless of how many times that I explained the concept, some continued to misunderstand and make mistakes. Correctly punctuating compound sentences — or independent clauses — was one of the simplest yet most difficult concepts that … Read more

Yesterday, I was sitting on my walker in front of a store before heading back home. A skinny, disheveled man was there before me, pacing. "Why aren't they open yet?" he fumed. Ah! So, this was why God had nudged me to wait. I smiled at … Read more

As I strap on my neck brace, I think about the comfort and support that it provides. It's lightweight, made of foam rubber, and covered with a cut-off sock to keep it clean. I have minor neck problems that are aggravated by sitting for … Read more

Long ago, I learned that there is a special key for every lock. When opening the gate to my dad's logging road, I tried the key that I'd last used, but it did not work. I went home and he gave me a new key because the lock had been … Read more

What do you do when you are in serious trouble like King Hezekiah of Judah was? Ravenous Assyria was on the move, and swallowing up the tiny kingdom of Judah was next on King Sennacherib's agenda. He sent a letter to King Hezekiah, … Read more

Like most pastors, I often wake up in the middle of the night thinking about and worrying over people in the congregation that I serve. I guess that other professionals — doctors, teachers, nurses, psychologists, social workers, and … Read more

My mare, Mama, was walking very stiffly. As she is very old, with the recent drop in temperature, I simply deduced that age was catching up with her. When the problem persisted, however, I asked our farrier, Dani, to check her out. As … Read more

The reflection of blue lights flashed in my rear-view mirror. Embarrassed, I pulled over. "Ma'am, can you explain why you were speeding?" "Officer, I wasn't paying attention." When I got home, I looked up the potential consequences: a … Read more

In our wintry months, it seems that the sun rises too late and sets too early. We arise to our daily work in the dark, and return home in the dark, slipping into sadness. The business of the world trudges on, though, as we slog through … Read more

"Consider it pure joy…" "And what's this?" asked my husband, as I handed him a platter of apple slices. He wasn't pointing to the fruit, but to the wiggly creature which had obviously escaped from it. The poor thing looked lost and … Read more

When we hear about other people going through hardship in a noble way, it can actually be a source of encouragement for us. First, we sympathize with their situation and offer help. But it can also make us think, "If they can do it, so … Read more

I'm living the new normal! No one said that life was easy, and honestly, this journey without my husband is anything but easy! However, Christ encourages us with these words: As I travel this road alone, yet not alone, I give thanks for … Read more

Regardless of where she went, she couldn't find comfort. Leah and her husband were never apart. They even volunteered at the same place after they retired. Both appeared to be in good health, so you can imagine Leah's shock when her … Read more

In 1973, there was a perceived crisis: a shortage of crude oil. We were told to conserve fuel, to drive less, and to share rides. In the Netherlands, where we were living at the time, we were given gasoline coupons, which enabled us to buy … Read more

When push comes to shove, I'd prefer a life without the growing of pearls around my grit. I'd just like the grit to be gone so that I can rest a while without looking for what is next. My conscience is the place where there is nearly … Read more

It was a regular day at home. As I went about my usual activities, the doorbell rang. I made my way to answer the ring. What a surprise! A policeman stood before me. Thoughts were racing through my mind: "Why would this policeman be here? … Read more

It is said that we have only a brief time — minutes or even seconds — to make a good first impression. That may be true, but it is also true that we are continually making impressions, positive or negative, that last for a long time, … Read more

I was hired on a short-term contract to catalog a prison library in a federal penitentiary with an inmate crew to help me. The men lived in the cell block that my husband guarded. "Anything that you tell me will go straight to him," I … Read more

Quail scurried through the breeze-toasted grass that carpeted the hillsides dotted with green-leafed oak trees. Today, their three-syllable call didn't sound like "Chic-a-go." Instead, I heard, "Let it go." Looking at the creek, I wished … Read more

I have never mastered the art of ice-skating, so it amazes me to see tiny tots staggering around the rink, somehow keeping their balance on two razor-thin blades. Red cheeks and sparkling eyes are almost hidden under a helmet with a cage … Read more

Quite recently, I've started to watch a cable channel which is totally dedicated to auto mechanics. I know practically nothing about cars, but I find these programs fascinating. Each program usually begins with an experienced mechanic … Read more

Reflecting on my trip to Israel last November, I recall that one of my favourite sites was the ancient village of Magdala in Galilee. A most recent and fascinating archaeological discovery was a first-century synagogue with part of its … Read more

As I grabbed my ringing telephone, I heard my daughter saying that Frank was in the greenhouse. Dropping the receiver, I made a dash out of the house, arrived at the greenhouse, and confirmed that Frank had indeed broken in and was … Read more

When Jesus burst onto the scene, He said, "The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!" (Mark 1:15 NIV) Repentance. It's an unpopular topic. And it certainly flies in the face of our do-whatever-makes-you-happy … Read more

I grew up looking at mountains. Raised on a mountain just outside the boundary of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, there was not a day that my eyes could escape looking at mountains. People come from all over the world to behold … Read more

Have you ever been handed counterfeit money? Some photocopied counterfeits are easy to spot, but others are really well crafted and hard to detect. Law enforcement officers and banking staff know what counterfeit money looks like. They … Read more

Something happened, and this potential devotional was stored a few years ago in "My Documents" on my computer, and was just re-discovered now. Perhaps it was for such a time as this! An upsetting experience happened in the local Anglican … Read more