A universe opens to me when I sit down with a good book. I especially like reading something about which I know little or nothing. A recent example was a book called The Perfect Mile by Neal Bascomb. I learned that during the early … Read more

It was time again — though I dreaded it — to break in the new winter work mitts, before the temperatures dropped below the -20s. The old mitts were so comfortable and had formed to fit my hands so well, but the linings were worn, and it … Read more

There are a lot of old sayings in my memory bank that pop up at appropriate moments in my life. It's a legacy from my grandparents, with whom I lived for twelve years. Recently, one came vividly to mind: "Eat what you can and can what … Read more

I was doing knee exercises in the open section of the community pool where anything goes. So, I didn't think it odd that a young woman would be making her way hand over hand along the pool edge towards me, fiercely intent on getting to … Read more

Recently, some of my family participated in a run to raise funds for breast cancer research. This type of run is not to prove who is fastest. Some take part in wheelchairs, some walk supported by another. The prize is that each person … Read more

During the summer, out the window, I watched my three friendly squirrels racing about the yard and up and down their tree. The Lord has used them to teach me many important lessons. Tippy arrived just recently, and is so named because of … Read more

What is understandable to one person isn't necessarily understandable to someone else. Our good friends had moved to South Carolina from Colorado. The wife, Jan, was a native Coloradoan, and the husband a native South Carolinian. When … Read more

Recently, I attended the memorial service of a Christian friend. While I have gone to many such events, this one impacted me as no other has done. This woman's life, from the time she became a Christian, was one of service to others. The … Read more

The rabbit population has been growing in our area, so it is not unusual to see them hopping about in all seasons. In the winter, they are pure white. In the summer, they are brown, and in the spring and the fall, they are a combination … Read more

I admit it! I love to watch the Olympics! Call me an Olympic junkie. Today, watching the opening ceremonies, I am soaking it all in. I wonder what it is about the Olympics — summer or winter — that draws me in. From an early age, I have … Read more

In the summer of 2010, the Daily Devotional sponsored a tour of central Europe, featuring the Oberammergau Passion Play. Within city after city, we visited the "old city", with narrow cobblestone streets and buildings that dated back to … Read more

One morning while driving to church, I noticed all along the edge of the highway bags of litter that volunteers had cleaned up the previous day. Sad to say, in the centre of the highway along the route were dead raccoons. They had … Read more

Earlier this month, I was immersed in watching the games of the Summer Olympics on television from London, England. The athletes marched into the stadium nation by nation during the opening ceremony. All looked proud and hopeful that they would … Read more

Channels only, blessed Master But with all Thy wondrous power Flowing through us, Thou canst use us Every day and every hour. – Mary E. Maxwell Since I retired, I have become an amateur computer techie. After learning how to … Read more

As you ramble on through life, brother, Whatever be your goal, Keep your eye upon the donut, And not upon the hole. Many years ago, these words hung above the counter in our local café. I have read that the same prophetic words … Read more

Canadians rejoiced exceedingly on Sunday night when Alexandre Bilodeau became the first Canadian to win an Olympic gold medal on Canadian soil. It is amazing the dedication that athletes display over a period of four years (or a lifetime) to … Read more

In the end, salvation is the most important event in the church. We tend to get caught up with dogmas and decisions, interpretations and issues, business meetings and ecclesiastical meanderings that don't bring one single person into the … Read more

The honker arm-jerked the bronc rein and crow hopped across the arena. The mash up grabbed the apple to avoid the back door and the crowd saw daylight. Meanwhile the pick-up man and the clown had a run-in with the stargazer. The animal's … Read more

Chameleons fascinate me. I am amazed by their ability to change their colours in order to blend into the background and remain hidden from both their enemies and their prey. I think God must have had a lot of fun … Read more

When I was at high school, I was a member of the senior 4 x 100m track relay team. We practised our speed skills for ages, but the most important part of the race was passing the baton. No matter … Read more

"Feel my finger!" she cried. "It isn't wet. It doesn't have bumps on it. I have self control!" Our granddaughter had sucked that same digit every day since birth. All alone in her bedroom, she chose to discipline herself and … Read more

While watching the downhill skiing event from the Olympics at Salt Lake City on the television yesterday, I was reminded of a day several years ago when I went skiing with two friends at Big White in the Okanagan Valley … Read more

The dedication involved in participating in an Olympics event or an "Ironman" competition is incredible. A friend who participated in the "Ironman Canada" race in Penticton, British Columbia, trained all winter, spending unimaginable hours swimming, cycling and running unbelievable distances. … Read more

(In the March/April 1993 issue of Equip the following anonymous reflection was offered to Presbyterian clergy across Canada. It still needs to be heard in 1997.) There are three kinds of giving: grudge giving, duty giving, and thanksgiving. Grudge giving … Read more