In Blessings from Pain, I told about my fall which resulted in a broken patella and subsequent surgery ten days later. As the days dragged on until surgery, I developed a list of "if onlys": – … Read more
Search Results for: "John 19:"
An Inconvenient Faith
Earlier this year, the government of Peru mandated that all group homes for children and youth be closed. The officials wanted at-risk children to be placed with family or friends. A non-profit organization, New Hope Peru, immediately … Read more
We Are Never Alone
Recently, a fellow resident shared her story. In 1989, Dorothy's husband of 42 years suddenly died from a massive heart attack, just two weeks before they were to leave on a planned cruise. Her son, John, who lived nearby, was very … Read more
The Crucifix
In 1951, when I was eight years old, my family did not regularly attend church, although I did understand that Jesus loved me. During Easter break that year, my family took a vacation to see friends in southern California, USA. One of our … Read more
What To Do About Mothers
I'm headed up the hill, going home. It is Mother's Day, and a sad-faced man is coming towards me with some flowers. "For your mother?" I say, smiling at the bouquet. He doesn't smile back, but he stops, as though he needs to tell … Read more
Inconvenient Blessings
In our rural community, we experience power outages during severe winter weather. We prepare by placing ice bags in our freezer, and no one lifts the lid. We hunker down next to the fireplace, play board games, and heat our dinner on the … Read more
The Eye Of The Beholder
In an era of rapidly changing customs and thought patterns, the world of art likewise changes, following trends related to various philosophical worldviews. During my attendance at the college of art from 1961 to 1962, the prevalence of … Read more
An Easter Gift
Last Friday, an article was published in the Toronto Star , subtitled, "An Easter Gift". It read in part, "On Thursday, the roughly 6-month-old lamb was spared from his fate at a nearby meat-packing plant, thanks to an unusual agreement … Read more
Journey To The Cross
During Holy Week, many Christians throughout the world symbolically follow Christ's journey to the cross to enhance their spiritual experience of the journey from Pilate's judgment hall to Calvary. Prayers and reflections are considered … Read more
True Suffering
With pot holders in my hands, I took the pan out of the hot oven. I had not realized, until it was too late, that my left thumb was hanging over the pot holder and pressing against the hot pan. … Read more
A Mother's Heart
Following the loss of my mother, a beautiful collection of heartfelt poems entitled A Mother's Love (Blue Mountain Press) has been an inspiration to me. These poems reflect my personal appreciation for the value of my mother's life and are … Read more
Behold Him
In a few previous devotionals, I've testified to the Lord's merciful and various healings in my life, for which I gratefully praise His ever-gracious name. Indeed, every merciful healing from our Lord Jesus of every kind in our lives is … Read more
It Is Finished
As a writer of young adult fiction, probably my most satisfying moments are when I finally finish another book. The story is complete, all questions answered, a satisfactory wind-up, no loose ends. I can sit back and say, "It is … Read more
Legal Loose Ends
Because our friend died without a will, his earthly family is in a mess. Lawyers, distant relatives, and the government are making decisions about his meagre estate and even his family. While he loved and protected them throughout his life, … Read more
Father, Forgive Them
I often wonder what it was like to cross through the Red Sea on dry ground, to watch Jericho's walls collapse, or to walk with Jesus on the Sea of Galilee. But imagine being present at that most astonishing event: the scourging and … Read more
Victory In Jesus
Have you ever contemplated what Christ went through for us when He gave His life on the cross at Golgotha? I have — and when I do, it actually brings tears to my eyes to think that He died such … Read more
Paid In Full
"Paid in full!" the bank clerk said with a smile, as he stamped the words in red on my record. It was a great moment in my life. For many years, my husband and I had faithfully sent a cheque … Read more
Cross Examined
In 1978, I visited Spain and toured the northern city of Bilbao. On top of a large hill, there is a beautiful cathedral. To get there, one has to climb hundreds of steps. When I reached the top of the … Read more
I Wondered As I Wandered
Along the road that led to Golgotha I wandered, thinking of Jesus when he was brought to this place to be crucified and humiliated. This was a common spot for crucifixion, close to the road, so that passers-by could look … Read more
Our Powerless God (2)
There are strange paradoxes to our faith that often elude us in the subtlety of their message and meaning. For example, the great God of Creation came to us as a helpless baby. This same God who holds the stars … Read more
The Magnet Of The Cross
The sky darkened as Jesus died. It was as though the sun itself could not bear to look down upon the deed people had done. This very same darkness awaits all who dismiss Christ from their lives. The temple veil … Read more
Near The Cross
Mary, John, Salome and the two Marys were standing near the cross, Mary weeping silently. The others watched from a distance, according to Matthew, Mark and Luke. No one knows why the women and John came closer. John only tells … Read more