I was pleasantly surprised to receive a phone call from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada on this cold -44 degrees Celsius morning, from a fellow brother in Christ Jesus, who called to say hello and to say that he is receiving his PresbyCan … Read more

How many times have I done weekly laundry in my 60 years of married life? I've lost count. And yet the need still arises for me to continue. It is not hard with the modern convenience of washers and dryers, but the repetitive nature of … Read more

I still white-knuckle it when I recall fishing in Alaska with my friends. It was one of those picture-perfect days, and the guide found great spots for us to flyfish from the shore. When it got slow, we would move on to other spots, making … Read more

Many years ago, I was a presenter at the Association of Presbyterian Educators meeting in Boston, USA. It was a full week of workshops, but I had an hour or two off, and I went exploring with a friend. I was told that the place just ahead … Read more

Early in October, I was asked if I could possibly lead a worship service in one of the churches in our area. It was to be on November 12. I agreed that, the Lord willing, I could. It was only one day after what we here in Canada call … Read more

If you look very closely right next to my left eye on my nose, you will see a tiny little scar. Like every scar, it has a story. I'm not sure how old I was at the time but I know not more than 4 or 5. I remember what happened as if it … Read more

She knew what she was doing; I had no idea. My wife and I — along with about one hundred other guests — sat under the large tent at our daughter's wedding reception. Only the wedding had taken place four months earlier, courtesy of … Read more

Recently, I spent time with my four-year old grandson. We played ball with the dog. I pushed him on a swing set with fits of glee and laughter. We took a walk to Locust Grove under a warm sun and blue sky. Yet, over the day hung a dark … Read more

Life — it's impossible without breath. "Breathe!" "Blast!" These commands came from a technician coaching me for a pulmonary function test as I sat inside an air-tight, sealed cylinder watching him through the glass. I felt like he was … Read more

I am a SciFi fan. I remember watching Men in Black where "K" (Tommy Lee Jones), one of the agents in a black suit, jumps up and down waving his arms and shouting, "Eat me!" to a very large alien. The alien obliges by swallowing him, … Read more

Whoo—who-who—whoo "Terry! Wake up! I hear the owl!" I had been hearing this sound every night from inside our cabin at Camp Loma de Vida, in south Texas, USA, during the winter months this year. We had never actually pin-pointed its … Read more

Recently, I entered the elevator and met a fellow resident who had been absent from meals for several days. Assuming that she had been away visiting her family, I asked if she had had a good break. Valerie responded, "If you consider … Read more

When I was young, our family lived next door to brothers who had a gorgeous apple tree in their yard. The apples looked so good and juicy, and we all wished that we could have one. There were five sisters in my family at this time. A … Read more

The evidence was overwhelming. We followed something that we feared. Panthertown Valley is just outside Cashiers, North Carolina, USA. Those who are looking for a directional sign will be disappointed. But my brother and I had … Read more

Have you ever been at a point where you felt that you couldn't go on unless God stepped directly into your life and made His presence known in no uncertain terms? Maybe you're there now. The disciple Thomas was there when he declared: … Read more

In high school, one of my favourite teachers was Mr. Rogers. He taught English literature and creative writing. The tidbit which came up in a lesson that most resonated with me was, "Life's a bitch and then you die." That phrase reflected … Read more

During this past Easter season, there were a number of movies on television which those who make up the schedules felt were appropriate for the season — movies such as The Robe, The King of kings and Easter Parade — just to mention … Read more

In our church, there is a cross at the front of the sanctuary. The cross is bare for most of the year, but during Lent, it is draped in a purple cloth. Now, it is draped in white, in honour of the risen Christ. The changing colours of the … Read more

Preaching from the book of Leviticus, my pastor recently discussed the significance of the eighth day in light of biblical teaching. His message inspired me to explore this idea. Interestingly, the eighth day may be likened to a musical … Read more

There are some folk who don't believe in Jesus because they don't want to, and they easily find reasons not to. There are others who would really like to believe, if only they had assurance that the gospel is believable. There are many … Read more

These days, a lot is said and written about the irrelevancy of our Christian faith. Some months ago, there was a report in our local paper about a minister of the gospel who had preached for many years and submitted faith-based articles … Read more

The area where I work is dotted with large lots and homes. There aren't many fences, but there are a lot of dogs that all remain on their property as we walk by. Recently, I was on a walk with a lady that I support, and three dogs were … Read more

I have kept a diary since 1962. It started out as a record of the daily progress of my pipeline construction in northern British Columbia, Canada, including the movement of people and equipment, records of meetings with owners and … Read more

In preparation for a sermon during my pastorate, a particularly good idea surfaced. I thought to myself, "What a powerful message the Holy Spirit has laid on my heart!" The Scripture passage was something we all needed to hear. After I had … Read more

Contemplating the glorious scene at the empty tomb, I am intrigued by the positioning of the two angels, one at the head and the other at the foot of Jesus' sepulchre. Years ago, I heard an interesting illustration that has stuck with me, … Read more

The grease-stained pizza boxes were piled high in the corner of the upper room as youth group neared the half-way mark of the night. A delightful assortment of teens chatted away, filling that tiny space with a cacophony of giggles, … Read more

It was in the late 1940s. My father was the pastor of a small Armenian Brethren congregation in Detroit, Michigan, USA. As my father arose from his chair to start his sermon by the reading of Scripture, he opened his Bible and in Armenian … Read more

Life events may temporarily shake my faith, but they can't destroy it. Like most people's, my life's been a journey of mountain and valley experiences. I've enjoyed numerous good things along with pleasurable occasions, but the good has … Read more

One day last year, while my husband and I were sitting in the lounge at the cancer centre, one of the patients started playing the piano. That day, I was a little apprehensive since we were waiting to hear the results of my husband's CT … Read more

I discovered recently that one of the strategies used to tuck a large amount of information into human memory is to visualize an imaginary "memory house" where each room gives a place to store specific, important details. In preparation … Read more

Often, as my day unfolds, I have a hymn ringing through my soul, both the music and the words. It usually is a hymn that I have known since childhood. "Breathe on me, breath of God" is with me today, and I wonder what God is trying to … Read more

Some time ago, my husband served as the pastor of a quaint little church in our home state of Pennsylvania, USA. Often, he spent hours putting together creative sermons using a unique blend of biblical and contemporary language. Although … Read more

As this is the day when we remember those fallen for peace and those involved in the search for peace in different places, we realize how elusive peace is — personal peace at times, and world peace almost always.

The word "peace" has … Read more