This prolonged pandemic has impacted all of us spiritually. In our imposed isolation, some folks have developed a sense of religious independence and now don't see the need of being part of a congregation or denomination anymore. We've … Read more

Through my years, I've acquired surprising spiritual lessons through mundane events. Here, I'll share how a simple episode yesterday drew my attention to two power sources influencing Christian life. I had placed a frozen pizza in the … Read more

The other day, I answered a request to volunteer with ticket sales at a softball tournament to be held at the high school field in our small town. It had been years since any of our children had participated in such activities, as they are … Read more

I have been busy. I have had to replace worn out parts in various household appliances, alongside the general duties and the usual chores. Things get to a certain age, and either you throw an item away as beyond mending and get a new one, … Read more

The steps came at him faster than I could get to him. My wife and I and our two oldest grandboys once visited Star Fort in Ninety Six, South Carolina, USA, the site of an American Revolutionary War battle. As we walked onto the … Read more

Many years ago, my younger sister was featured on the national news. Her story was quite horrific. She had purchased a Volkswagen bug not too long before. She and her friend were coming home from work on a county road when they were … Read more

In our area of Canada, we have been inundated with bugs this summer. Having received record levels of snow during the winter and torrential rains amidst the spring, there was standing water and flowing creeks, rivers, and ditches … Read more

Wikipedia describes an ambassador as a person who represents an entity and does so in a positive manner. Almost half a century ago, I was a senior financial officer of a major corporation. On my way in to a presentation in the board … Read more

My husband has a moderate-to-severe hearing loss and wears hearing aids. At first, they were the basic kind. As we drove in the car, he would complain, "You're talking to the windshield. I can't hear you." I would get impatient with this … Read more

What a stunning reversal in normal summer weather patterns took place in late June, 2021! Rather than shivering and trying to keep dry on a typical camping trip, everyone in the USA Pacific Northwest was desperately trying to cope with the … Read more

When I was young, there were many heroes to look up to. One of them was the American boxer, Muhammad Ali, who raised his gloved hands in victory and declared, "I am The Greatest!" As a child, I wondered what made him great. Was he a great … Read more

I can't forget our disappointing dialogue. Two of us were lamenting over societal woes, when suddenly, he walked away, exclaiming, "This is too depressing!" That's not how I wished the conversation to proceed! He never got to hear the … Read more

Lucy has her own profession in the Peanuts comic strip: psychiatrist. Lucy has put out her shingle — "Psychiatric Help 5¢". Charlie Brown shows up at her makeshift booth and … Read more

Having a momentary lapse of thought, I poured oil into the pot where I was boiling an artichoke because I had mistaken it for the nearby pot of pasta. I shuddered at my mistake while it finished cooking. When I poured off the water, I … Read more

One sheet and four kitchen chairs made a perfect hiding place. Lovey was my maternal grandmother's half-sister. My memories of her are fading, but I do recall that she played with me and my cousin. One of our favourite things to do was … Read more

In May, I had some correspondence with one of the contributors to these PresbyCan Daily Devotionals, in which we commented on the fact that our small pets or animals can fall prey to a predator at any time. This made me think of the time … Read more

Outside, finally enjoying the spring weather, my family and I were standing by the greenhouse, discussing repairs that needed completing. As we were chatting, a resounding metallic thunk split the air. We all knew immediately what it … Read more

Do you ever lie awake at night, unable to sleep because you're thinking about all of the foolish mistakes that you've made? Do you ever relive those stupid moments in your mind and regret the things that you've said or done? Do you wish … Read more

Looking at a first-level workbook in the Accelerated Christian Education system, a high school student exclaimed, "Mrs. B, I want to do this work. It looks so easy!" To him it appeared easy, but to the first grader whose book it was, it … Read more

Several years ago, when our praise team was practicing Christmas songs, I was challenged to write words to fit one of the songs that we were learning, "Emmanuel Has Come" by Don Moen, because … Read more

After attending Bible college, I went to Malawi in the summer of 1986 on a short-term mission trip. I stayed with a missionary couple in the city of Blantyre and experienced their Christian ministry in that country. One day, the … Read more

"Tell me the story of Mama patting the skunk." "What about the time that Digby caught the mouse?" My grandchildren love hearing the stories of my childhood, or that of their parents. As we snuggle down for bedtime stories, they enjoy … Read more

"Cuckoo", "nuts", "gone bananas", "gaga" … So many derogatory words describe the battle with mental illness — all of them unkind. But it is a different story on the receiving end. My poor afflicted aunt was left in charge of us one … Read more

My tablemate and I were discussing how unexpectedly matters seem to develop. She is the aunt of my deceased daughter-in-law, and I first met her over four decades ago. Now, with all the things that have transpired over those many years, we … Read more

If having one would help me to keep track of my health, then why not buy it? What initially attracted me wasn't its sleek style or the many things that it could do. Its functions included a watch with an alarm, and I've been a sucker for … Read more

The words slipped out of my mouth, and I was instantly sorry, but I couldn't stuff them back in. Like the proverbial feathers, they had been scattered to the four winds, and couldn't be retrieved. Scanning back over a lifetime, I — we … Read more

Living in northern Canada takes its toll upon one's skin, especially during the long, cold, dry winter. Thus, sixteen months ago, on the spur of the moment while I was doing my monthly shopping, I grabbed a bottle of a new, foaming face … Read more

Do you know the story of the Dayspring Mission? It is a fascinating story of courage, determination, and sacrifice. In the 1860s, the Presbyterian Board of Missions decided that the New Hebrides Mission (Vanuatu today) should have a large … Read more

When my husband and I received our teaching degrees after five long years at the University of Victoria, we became qualified to teach at schools in British Columbia, Canada. We were able to sign up for interviews and to look for jobs in … Read more

Each morning seems to come with a new, tasty selection of temptations! When we were children, my siblings and I were usually tempted by what our parents told us that we couldn't have, or especially by the things that we wouldn't share with … Read more

While on vacation 35 years ago, my husband and I arrived in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. I was about to learn about the diversity of its people and its culture, especially its French beignet (ben-yay), likened to a doughnut pastry that is … Read more