I once participated in a service of praise, prayer, and foot washing with Christian people during the Lenten season. Sitting in a circle, one by one, we knelt, washed, and dried our neighbour's feet, using a basin of warm water and a … Read more

"Now, you behave." How many times did I hear my mom say that in my childhood? If I had a penny for every time that she told me or my sister, Tracey, to behave before school, at the dinner table, before and during church, or at the mall, … Read more

Some years ago, my husband and I and a friend explored Camp Columbia on Thetis Island, off Vancouver Island, Canada. The camp had just been permanently closed — the end of an era for thousands of campers. As we wandered over the grounds, … Read more

One summer night, when my six-year-old granddaughter, Riley, and I came into the house after a wiener roast, as always, she wanted to play on my iPad®. After telling her where it was, I took a forbidden bite of leftover cherry delight … Read more

My father never missed a Sunday going to church, but I never heard him tell me, "I love you." On his deathbed, he finally came close, when he told me, "You know that I love you." And I did know that. He showed his love for me in a thousand … Read more

For centuries, a special flag called the Royal Standard has represented the king or queen of the United Kingdom. It is flown on one of the royal residences, or on a car, ship, or aircraft when the sovereign is present. When Charles III … Read more

I love spring! It's such a beautiful time of the year. The weather is warm, everything is coming back to life, the grass is green, the flowers are blooming, and the birds are singing. It's amazing how God brings new life to the world every … Read more

A couple of years ago when our family was together, my daughter Christa decided that we should have a mani/pedi party. That is an occasion when we all give each other a manicure and a pedicure. She came in with all the equipment that she … Read more

"Come quickly," my wife hollered as I sat at my computer, writing in the early morning hours. Though we live in the city, a few months ago an opossum came waddling through the privacy fence surrounding our backyard and made himself at … Read more

It happened two days in a row: three different messages from God. Do you, like me, sometimes wonder how God lets us know what He wants for us? I'm a practical person, not given to flights of fancy or emotion. I'm more likely to read for … Read more

I knew that I was leaving, but I had a job to do. A textile mill wasn't on my list of places to work when I moved to Greenwood, South Carolina, USA, in the early 1980s. Greenwood was a textile city with mills scattered all over the town … Read more

Ah, the post office, a place where we all have to go at Christmas, even if it is with a smashed-and-broken soul, as I had then. The loudspeaker was blaring a loop of hollow-eared music from which every smidgen of spirituality had been … Read more

Sometimes, chickens leave behind more than eggs and meat. My maternal grandmother had a dozen or so chickens wandering around her yard. At night, she enclosed them in a small pen, complete with a coop. There, they slept and laid eggs. … Read more

The famous preacher, Charles Price, wrote: We talk a lot about leadership, and rightly so, but our role is never to lead. It is to serve, and God is the one who makes leaders out of servants. If we want to know who our future leaders … Read more

Lord, help me to see others as diamonds in the rough With today's society, that can be tough. Like the ocean tide that goes in and out Take out what's not You and leave what You're all about. Before the world can change I have to do my … Read more

Some people put their foot in their mouth, but seem to enjoy the taste. Some people rub us the wrong way, but act like it's the right way. Some people know how to push our buttons, and we detest that they can have so much negative impact … Read more

"Fingerprints all over the place." My oldest grandson called the dirty storm door window to my attention as he and his younger brother stood looking out over the backyard. Of course, he failed to mention that both of them were the reason … Read more

It's been said that the disciple John was Jesus' special, favourite disciple. John was "the one Jesus loved", a phrase seen twice in the Gospel of John. I've felt uneasy about that text. Why would John portray himself as Jesus' favourite? … Read more

Until recently, my husband and I have been playing cards with two other ladies. We tried to play once a week. Sometimes, it worked out, while at other times, life got in the way, especially as we grew elderly. We would rotate to each of … Read more

The dictionary defines a role model as a person looked up to by others as an example to be imitated. There are role models everywhere. Some portray an example of good and some of evil. We look to movie stars, entertainers, famous people, … Read more

In previous devotionals, I have mentioned that I frequently co-author children's sermons with my friend, Anne. Because we share our sermons with other writers, they share with us. This week, I received a copy of a children's sermon that … Read more

"He was trying to stop Jesus!" My mind was jolted by that remark in a recent sermon. It was not about a wicked person, but about a godly prophet: John the Baptist. Peter also tried to stop Jesus — twice! Obviously, well-meaning … 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

After my wife's death, a friend of her mother telephoned to offer her condolences. Among other things, she told me about being ambushed. This is when something happens that brings back memories. I follow a blog called Spitalfields Life … Read more

I saw my friend's name appear on my phone. For three years, we had pastored churches in the same town and had become fast friends. We hadn't talked recently, so I was anxious to catch up. But the news that he shared wasn't what I wanted to … Read more

Two years ago my left hip broke, and it has not healed well. I have to use a walker. Many people have helped me wheel groceries to my car and put them in the trunk. Teenaged boys at church have lifted my walker into the back seat of my … Read more

Many of us know what a scourge Alzheimer's disease is. While cancer in its various forms seems to dominate the attention of our aging congregation right now, we have also had our share of Alzheimer's and dementia victims. The despair, … Read more

As I entered the reception area through the main door, a mistaken usher, knowing that I was a relative of the groom, asked me to go to the far end of the room and up a few steps onto the platform where the head table was beginning to fill … Read more

Christmas is here; at least, a shopper's Christmas is here. Christmas trees, wreaths, ornaments, and toys are proudly displayed in store windows and shelves — beautiful, shiny objects to attract and entice the consumer. Well-thought-out … Read more

An elderly friend of mine, who was once a very vital and successful woman, lived her life as a committed Christian both as a business owner and in her dedication to her beloved church for over fifty years. Her attributes … Read more

My friend, "Brooke", hosted her own birthday party recently in the social hall of her church. Three of her five children, their children, their grandchildren plus two great-grandmas, one great-great-grandma, and friends came to share in her special day! Brooke … Read more

Gran never took her apron off unless she entertained company in the front room. Her aprons served as splash collectors, pot holders, egg carriers, and wash cloths for a fevered child's brow. I never saw her use an apron to … Read more

Initially in my early church life, I'd be most uncomfortable when anyone preached on the above Scripture. I didn't believe that I could attain to Jesus' love for every Christian in and outside my church. No, not me! Oh, my, … Read more