One wintry day, my husband and I were walking at the golf course, which has a trail that, along much of its way, parallels the river to our left. We hoped to see some overwintering river birds. At first, however, the river wasn't visible. … Read more
Search Results for: "Isaiah 30:"
A Still, Small Voice
One winter night, after spending the day moderating a meeting in a small church in northern Ontario, Canada, I headed back to my home in Oakville. Night had fallen, and a severe lake effect storm had blown up. Nevertheless, I had to get … Read more
How Do I Decide?
A diversity of choices can make us ask, "How do I decide?" My wife is the queen of slow when deciding what to wear. Very conscientious of how she looks, she spends more time in a closet in one morning looking at clothes than I do in an … Read more
Compassion
I am fortunate to live in a lovely home where all my needs are met. To serve the various interests of the residents, there are many activities, ranging from Blackjack to Bible study. The residence is privately owned and operated, and is … Read more
Sidetracked
Getting shoppers sidetracked is a retailer's dream come true. Moving isn't fun, but we had no choice. After a long day of sweating in the hot, humid temperatures of a South Carolina August, my wife and I showered and readied ourselves to … Read more
When God Enters The Stage
As a visitor at a church service some years ago, I watched as the reader marched up to the platform with an air of confidence to read an Isaiah portion from the large pulpit Bible. It had been placed on the lectern moments earlier in a … Read more
The Trust Factor
Every day, my seven canines get a treat to help them maintain strong and healthy teeth. They never receive the treat at the same time on any given day. I hand them out when I fill up their food bowls for the evening meal. Sometimes, I do … Read more
Follow The Son
The road was covered by shade … with the exception of one spot. The highway leading to the church that I pastor meanders through miles of country. Acres of forest line each side of the road, making for a shady drive. I found that one … Read more
Rainy Days And Toothache Pain
I can't believe the amount of rain that we have had in the last week. As I look out my window, the rain has left its mark. Tiny round circles are splattered against the pane, slightly obscuring my vision towards the lake. My mother is a … Read more
Optimism And Pessimism
The day came to seek consultation for a lingering health issue that is not of the life-and-death category, but is nevertheless disabling and life-changing, causing limitations. Arthritis is well known to many who silently suffer in its … Read more
The Problem
I had always wanted a horse, and our neighbour seemed to have just the right one for me. He was an old, retired pack horse, reliable, friendly, well-mannered, and very, very large. So large, in fact, that when I was in the saddle and he … Read more
But We Had The Good News Daily First
A major announcement on February 2, 2011 from one of the news networks heralded the launch of the so-called first daily newspaper for iPads. I first read the announcement on a news page from yahoo.com; sadly, that story no longer appears … Read more
Standing At The Ready
God gave very careful instructions to His people when they were about to leave Egypt, not only how to identify themselves as children of the living God by the blood of the lamb daubed over the door posts, but also … Read more
Quietness And Confidence
When I lay abed this morning thinking, this particular Scripture came to mind. It has been a favourite of mine, but I haven't thought about it for a while. Anxiety has been a challenge in members of my family for … Read more
"Behind You"
I am the baker in a busy little shop where there is one phrase which we all hear over and over again: "Behind you." When I am busy carrying loaded trays or straps of bread from the proofing room, I often hear, "Behind you." As I am … Read more
On The Trail
Our town is a mail stop on the Appalachian Trail. I have talked to some of the hikers on the trail. I have learned that every now and then, a tree will be marked to let them know that they … Read more
The Divine Attributes Of GPS
I've never been in a car equipped with GPS (Global Positioning System), but it must be fascinating. Recently, I was travelling to a funeral in a remote part of East Tennessee, and I was worried about getting lost. I looked … Read more
Vapour Trails
In early spring, the sun shines brightly in the sky at lower angles than it does in the summer. Although its warmth is not so easy to feel on the body as it is with the summer's sunshine, it is … Read more
Where Strength Is Found
I called a medical clinic recently, hoping to refill a prescription for headache medication. The line to the physician's office was busy. I was asked to hold, and was left to listen to loud music while I waited. It was … Read more
Wagons Away
While in a local farm supply store, I noticed a brightly painted wagon. Wagons and "dad-made" wooden scooters were an integral part of my childhood. Both could be used as a means of transport. We had a wagon with a … Read more
The Cleansing Water of Affliction
My church has been facing, and continues to face, a few funerals this season. They are honourable deaths of saints who founded and built this congregation when my older brothers were baptized in the school around the corner from where … Read more
Who Chooses The Music?
Although I am often in awe at the complete appropriateness in the pairing of hymns to the Daily devotionals, I am told that except for those few times when one may be requested, no particular thought or concerted effort goes … Read more
Emotional Healing
During a time in my life when I was in a whirlwind of emotional pain and confusion, and wanting so much to do whatever it took to find release and direction, a friend came alongside me and kept pouring truth … Read more