I was always very apprehensive about speaking — in school, for instance, in front of the class, and in public. Later, as a young lad at the youth group or at catechism class at the church, I was always afraid that the leader would ask me … Read more

Thirteen years ago, in the early spring, my husband and I surveyed with satisfaction our recent purchase, a 22-foot travel trailer. After we retired from teaching, we planned to use it to go south, where the winters would be warmer, and to … Read more

"But, but, but" is a common phrase in my world these days, with a rambunctious four-year-old who has her own ideas about things and how she wants to do them. She rummages through the utensil drawer and makes off with the pizza cutter for … Read more

"Only one life, 'twill soon be past. Only what's done for Christ will last." – C.T. Studd Life is short and I can live it only once, so I'd like to make the best use of it. I cannot do everything, but I can certainly do some things well. … Read more

When I read about how reluctant Moses was to do God's bidding, it makes me smile. Getting people to volunteer in church for leadership or ministry roles can be just as hard, too. Some folks feel as if they're not good enough, others think … Read more

I love to write, but admittedly, words don't always flow easily from my mind out through my fingertips. For those who know me as a jabber-box, that might be a bit of a surprise, but feeling inadequate is my Achilles heel when it comes to … Read more

During the winter months, watering our livestock becomes quite a chore as two five-gallon pails of water must be carried from the house to the corral, lifted over the fence, and poured into the drinking tub. At first, I hate … Read more

One of my dachshunds has a special gift. Hoss is a goat herder. With his extremely short legs, long body, and the typically large head of the wire-haired variety, people often find Hoss's appearance quite comical, and at first glance, his … Read more

Already having a healthy girl, we assumed that when I became pregnant again eighteen months later, all would be plain sailing. We should never assume, though. God could have different plans — and in our case, He did. After another … Read more

I had been a Christian for a very short time when I was approached to become a Sunday School teacher. Having been raised in England during World War II, my knowledge of the Bible was very scanty, as all children's … Read more

Many years ago, I preached a sermon in Maybole, Scotland, on God's call. A visitor from Northern Ireland was in the congregation. His name was Tom, and he was a successful director of a civil engineering firm. The sermon had … Read more

It was September already, and the curling season was fast approaching. While I had enjoyed this sport in the past, I was now having my doubts. I was a year older, I had gained some extra pounds while vacationing in … Read more

Almost two years ago, our nine-year-old Stephanie read a scripture reading during the worship service. It was a long reading taken from Exodus 4:1-17. That September Sunday, the church was full. Stephanie walked up to the lectern so that she … Read more

I begin this devotional with the last part of the scripture: "O Lord, please send someone else to do it." These words fit the way I felt the first time I went to the hospital to work as a "worship … Read more