When I was a young child, I started to ask for a pony for my birthday. We lived in a town where there was a good-sized empty acreage across the road from our house. I thought that a pony could live there and that I could ride it every day. … Read more

In 1991, when my husband, Terry, our three boys, and I went to Slovakia on a short-term educational mission, we were foreigners in the land. Needing groceries, we explored the little hole-in-the-wall shops in our new neighbourhood. There … Read more

I dislike how damnable labels get attached to people. It can harm their reputation. Yet, in Scripture we see that damnable label, "prostitute", attached to a woman named Rahab — five times! We're given no insight into her conduct. She … Read more

A church that I once attended had a truly gifted minister. This man was articulate, yet compassionate; learned, yet able to explain Bible teaching clearly; and humorous, yet never in poor taste. He had a fine singing voice and played the … Read more

I think we've all heard the expression, "If it feels good, do it." Recently, I read a comment from an art instructor, whose newsletter I receive, advising artists not to get lost in theory and analysis, but just to go with "your gut … Read more

During the past number of weeks, I have been struggling through a number of losses. In my head, I think, *How do people without faith cope without the comfort of God? How do people cope without His promise, "Never will I leave you; never … Read more

While hiking with friends in Gatineau Park, near Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, we approached a small stream over which had been placed a wooden plank to help hikers cross the water. Not having the best balance, I pulled a long stick from the … Read more

Anyone who knows me well knows that I don't travel light. I go nowhere without bags of clothes, reading material, art supplies, and crafts to make. My motto is "Let your bags be heavy and your heart be light." Now, if I were to travel far … Read more

Many families have a heraldic device and motto. The heraldry shield of Moulton is a red and gold crest, with three stars and the Latin motto Regi fidelis (faithful to king and country). One of my relatives has the family name Kelly, the … Read more

In grade school, I attended the Day School Gospel League (DSGL), a meeting for children held weekly after school by Christian ladies of the community to teach gospel stories, lead hymns and songs, and encourage Bible memorization. In … Read more

It is election time in Ottawa — and elsewhere — for city councillors, school trustees, and mayor. The candidates' signs have popped up along the roadways and front lawns like dandelions! There is always lots of cynicism among voters on … Read more

Some time ago, I was discussing the writing of these devotionals with a member of the staff where I am privileged to live. When I mentioned that I was considering doing one about counting our blessings, Ashley, who is always so … Read more

Recently, I've become acquainted with a woman who is rapidly losing her eyesight. She once had full sight, but as the years have advanced, her vision has declined, until now all that she can perceive is brightness and shadow. Her white … Read more

When I was young, I had determined to be the perfect mother, but that was before encountering the unfamiliar subway system in Toronto, Canada, with my two children, aged three and four. It was Monday. The day before, I'd heard a study of … Read more

When I first started writing devotionals, neither did I know anything about writing one, nor was I a huge fan of daily devotionals. But along the line, I heard in my spirit, "Roll out devotionals," and I was sure that was God giving me an … Read more

In most of the emails that I have sent out to friends or strangers during this time when the COVID-19 virus has been rampaging in the world, I have requested that people pray to God for success for scientists who are striving to develop … Read more

I am writing an essay using an online app, and I am being constantly interrupted by popups telling me that I can sell what I'm writing for cash. Students will pay big bucks to cheat rather than to write themselves. It doesn't matter how … Read more

Canadians love hockey. In the Hockey Hall of Fame, the great players of the past are honoured and revered. When the stars retire, their player numbers are retired, too, and in their home ice arenas, their hockey jerseys are hung up high in … Read more

My first visit to Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria, was quite amazing to me, considering the level of development, with a good road network, street lighting, and a very clean environment. To me, it was just like a … Read more

Everybody has a father story, and they run the gamut. I grew up in a traditional family. My father was present, supportive, and loving. Many families aren't as fortunate. Some fathers drink to excess, abuse or run around on their wives, … Read more

An atheist friend once remarked to me that Christianity is destructive because it produces passivity. Yet a cursory glance at the achievements of strong believers down the centuries easily proves otherwise. Nevertheless, my friend raises a … Read more

One Saturday afternoon back in 2003, I received a call from a leading member of our congregation, a good friend of mine, who asked me if he could come and see me, "Right now!" Needless to say, I wondered what the emergency was. Ten … Read more

Recently, I hosted a party for two friends whose birthdays fell in the same week. Although I had hoped for sunny weather so that we would be able to enjoy sitting out on the back patio, it rained that day, and we were kept indoors. What we … Read more

Yesterday was a good day, with lovely weather and sunshine all day. It pleased me a lot going through the day with peace and easy–going thoughts. But I have to admit that when I got up this morning, I never considered that I should … Read more

Joshua and Caleb have profoundly influenced my life with their faith and optimism. As two of the twelve spies sent forth to give an account of the promised land, they alone returned with a positive report, in stark contrast to the … Read more

As a person of diminutive stature, I have found that I don't tend to overlook things, I underlook them, for I am not looking high enough. At home, I have to remind myself to fetch the stool and check the tops of things like the fridge and … Read more

Recently on quiet summer mornings as I walked our country valley road, I was aware of sounds made by creatures and machines that I could not see. I heard engine noises from jets and propeller-driven aircraft. Truck and car tires hummed, … Read more

Recently, I watched a wonderful film called Pilgrim's Progress: Journey to Heaven, a modern adaptation of John Bunyan's classic tale. The story is a clever allegory depicting the spiritual journey of a man named Christian who could … Read more

One of my dearest friends left for Russia for a return mission trip. We first went to Russia on a mission trip in February of 2012; a time when God especially showed awesome faithfulness to us! One of my duties on that trip was to teach … Read more

Many of the Protestant churches in our area are struggling. It is a matter of grave concern to many of us. There are discussions and workshops; there is talk of amalgamation and re-alignment; there is even talk of closing some of the … Read more

A landscape architect of my acquaintance envisions outdoor sport and recreation facilities, then draws plans so that others can build what he sees as possible. He supervises construction in the role of project leader while project … Read more

I was reading a little devotional by Norval Hayes entitled "How to get your prayers answered". He tells the story of a woman in the congregation challenging him about her continual prayers not being answered — prayers for her daughter of … Read more

As a frequent user of e-mail and a frequent maker of prayer, I began to liken prayer to e-mail. I saw that my prayers are always "To: God@heaven.org". Sometimes I send "Cc:" — copies of my prayers to my friends by asking them to pray as … Read more