By nature, I am an introvert. In a crowd, I keep quiet, not because I am shy, but rather because I don't feel that I have anything to say and because I prefer to think rather than to speak. Still, there have been times when I decided to … Read more

In the 1970s, we moved our European/Middle East head office to London, England. At that time, one of our external auditors told me this story. Two men shared an office; they had desks facing each other. They had worked together for a … Read more

Good Friday is the most sombre day of the Christian year. Jesus died on the cross. It is a day when we can sing, "O come and mourn with me awhile". It was my first time leading a Good Friday service. The centrepiece in the sanctuary was … Read more

I attended a Christian retreat where the guest speaker asked this thought-provoking question: "How would you feel if God pardoned a repentant murderer who prayed a simple prayer of salvation from his deathbed?" At first, a hush fell over … Read more

Wedding ceremonies shown in movies often feature the couple exchanging romantic vows in which they pledge to love each other forever. Similarly, a visit to a cemetery will reveal gravestones for couples with the caption, "Together … Read more

This Scripture caught my attention recently. Herod and Pilate became friends! How extraordinary that Luke recorded this part of Jesus' trial. Two men who appeared to be enemies became friends to accomplish their goal: getting rid of … Read more

During the occupation of the Netherlands from 1940-1945, a lot of people listened to Radio Orange, a Dutch radio program aired by the BBC European Service on behalf of the Dutch Government in exile in London. The programs were typically … Read more

The thought of experiencing it unnerved me — even though I claimed to be prepared. While a pre-teen, the fear of dying overcame me. As a nine-year-old, I had chosen to follow Jesus. I knew that He had a place in heaven for me, but I … Read more

Are you aware of God-given opportunities? At the time, I wasn't! My cousin turned 80 on Friday, April 24th. Two days before, my phone rang, and thankfully, I recognized her Rochester area code — not a telemarketer — so I answered … Read more

Silence is truly powerful. For example, think of times when people get the silent treatment in their homes. It is a powerful form of punishment, because we know that there is a broken relationship involved, and we know that we should be … Read more

Suddenly, it was quiet! Your heart skipped a beat. Until now you hadn't paid much attention to the children's playful chatter. But now the silence grips every fibre of your being. That's the power of silence. Perhaps you've experienced … Read more

An ancient memory pictures an event that occurred when I was four. I was busily engaged in playing with grain stored in the spare bedroom of a farm home where my family lived. My small hands were spreading the grain over the floor. What … Read more

"I do not like this time of year," I declare as I close the window shades at 5:30 p.m. "The days are too short and the nights too long." In Arizona, that means less than 10 hours of daylight, and for those of you further north, even … Read more

I am going through some health struggles, which can affect me both emotionally and spiritually. It often means that I don't deal with other people very well, especially if I feel ignored, misunderstood, mistreated, rejected, or alone. When … Read more

Why did God allow those two other men, criminals, to have centre stage next to our Lord Jesus? What was God's purpose in their crucifixion on crosses beside the Son of God? This question has been bothering me for years. The crucifixion … Read more

Last year, during the Lenten season, our pastor played a song in church called Watch the Lamb by Ray Boltz. This song is a beautiful depiction of the scene portrayed in today's Scripture. Not much is known about Simon of Cyrene except … Read more

I saw a memorable film on television. It was the story of a broken marriage — a story in which a teen-age daughter was very embittered by the break-up of her parents. The father walked by the edge of the schoolyard at recess time to see … Read more

I sometimes think that we Christians can get a little too smug about what we would and would not do. It's not surprising. After all, we have the benefit of hindsight. We have our Bibles and two thousand years of Christian tradition behind … Read more

Standing at a distance from the cross, I found myself in a group of three women who were gazing at the man who was hanging there for His sin of blasphemy, as ordered by the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate. The … Read more

Just a few months after my arrival at my first posting on a native reservation out on the prairies of Canada in 1987, I was informed that I was to lead the three nights' wake service of a young man … Read more

My late husband was a chaplain attached to the local Royal Canadian Legion, and when one of the members was near death, his two nephews approached my husband to conduct their uncle's funeral service. My husband readily agreed, although he … Read more

Those of us who have suffered a serious illness, disaster, accident, or loss (or have a loved one who has suffered), know how unexpectedly our world can shrink and change overnight. During springtime, we reflect upon the enormity of our … Read more

These days, it seems that we need passwords to access so many things. Online shopping requires one. Our bank machines require one. In fact, so many things require passwords that keeping track of them all nearly drives me nuts. Passwords … Read more

During the spring, summer, and fall seasons, I love to sit on the back patio and enjoy the beautiful landscape my husband has designed in our yard. Beside the evergreens, the fig tree is one of my favourites, especially for … Read more

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

During my childhood in England, shopping was an almost daily occurrence, in order to ensure that our food was as fresh as possible. Home refrigerators were rare, because they were not even close to affordable for the average household. My … Read more

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: … Read more

Recently while doing some research for a history book, I ran across an interesting story that caused me to stop and ponder. In 1824, Patrick Bergren, an 18-year-old teenager, entered his master's place of business at night and took "one … Read more

Most of us likely know the expression, "Silence speaks louder than words." Years of experience have taught me that this proverb is true. Sometimes, I can give a better testimony simply by being silent, much to the disappointment of some … Read more

The calendar today for the northern hemisphere says "spring", but the landscape in many places looks like winter. When the skies are so gray, many struggle with loneliness. It's just the time between. I know that one day, the snow … Read more

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

On a trip to Britain to visit family, my husband and I decided to spend a few days in London. There, among the pageantry and history, I discovered an interesting story. In 1670, Thomas Blood, disguised as a parson and … Read more

As we entered the church, the sign read, "Please no perfume. Respect those with allergies." I am one such sufferer. Perfume chokes me up and makes my eyes weep as if I were peeling an onion. It is very embarrassing, … Read more