One of the joys of grandparenting is that the parents need a babysitter. We get the call, and in an instant, a sleepover is arranged at our house. Several weekends ago, I was up early with my five-year-old grandson making breakfast, … Read more

I find that there is something special about meeting the Lord in prayer early in the morning before the day breaks. When I rise out of bed at what seems to be an inconvenient time, to praise God and to seek His direction in prayer, my day … Read more

There was a time when I wanted to do a business transaction with a stranger, and this particular deal involved a large amount of money. So, I quickly consulted one of my mentors about my plan, and he said, "Let's ask the Lord about it … Read more

When Jesus burst onto the scene, He said, "The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!" (Mark 1:15 NIV) Repentance. It's an unpopular topic. And it certainly flies in the face of our do-whatever-makes-you-happy … Read more

One of our local churches is in a high pedestrian traffic area, just off the main street, next to the post office and close to the library. In front of the church, there is an electronic sign which has a slogan on it, as well as the time … Read more

Growing up, I had a pesky little sister four years my junior. She seemed to follow me everywhere. If I wanted to go for a walk to get away from her or ride my bike, suddenly, she wanted to do the same thing. It was annoying to have … Read more

When you have a Type A personality — always needing to be doing something — taking a break isn't easy. I've never been one to sit and twiddle my thumbs. Sitting and doing nothing makes me feel lazy. Since I have only so much time in … Read more

Most of us older people who are used to the traditional way of reformed worship are happy with that style. We are handed a bulletin as we enter church; we read the announcements; and as soon as the service starts, we follow the order of … Read more

I would love to have heard Jesus preaching in any of the synagogues that He visited during His lifetime. What we have in the gospels is only the tip of a whole mountain of messages that Christ must have preached to His people all over … Read more

On several recent trips to the grocery store, I noticed how various shoppers have perfected the art of selecting fresh fruits and vegetables. For example: – A thump for a sweet watermelon – A squeeze for a firm, ripe tomato – A sniff for … Read more

My sister, who is in the process of moving, has given me a lovely set of dinnerware china. For years, I have been fond of its elegant design, featuring hand-painted rose blossoms with a twisted briarwood and leaf pattern around … Read more

A few years ago, my daughter spent many hours training to run in the New York Marathon. The act of running and completing the run symbolized to her a great personal victory in that she had set a goal, put … Read more

It is now past three years since my husband went home to be with the Lord. During that time, I've walked this path of loneliness and aloneness, as many of our readers have. Just when I think I'm okay and … Read more

When I was a pastor in Scotland, I loved working with the local fishermen. They were a hardy breed of manly men. They were coarse and rustic, weather-beaten and strong. Each week, they put their lives at risk looking for … Read more

On a recent fishing trip, we were able to try out our new fishing net. After baiting three lines, we cast them into the water. After a few minutes, I felt that knowing tug on the line — I knew a fish had found the bait. As I reeled it … Read more

On Sunday morning, a shabbily-dressed homeless person was found sitting on a piece of cardboard at the front of our church entrance, as people filed into the sanctuary. His head was down, and he almost seemed not to notice those entering … Read more

"Eerie" is how I'd describe my reaction to seeing Stonehenge. Walking around its perimeter in the rain last June was surreal. So many questions came to mind. How did the ancients move these huge stones? How did they raise them … Read more

During a recent visit with my son's family, I had occasion to attend a special activity at the elementary school where three of my grandchildren attend. While there, I met a sixth-grade teacher who had a wonderful rapport with her … Read more

One of the schoolyard games I remember playing in my childhood was "Simon Says". In the game, one player was appointed Simon, the leader, and the object of the game was to catch a player following an instruction that wasn't … Read more

In the rush of December, the world calls us to scurry. We are called to claw out precious time to buy "perfect" gifts for difficult people. Our wrapped presents are to have designer-like qualities. The politically correct "holiday tree" must … Read more

God has been giving me this analogy lately because the following situation exists in my life. When Christians go fishing after their families and friends who have rejected them and Jesus time and time again, it becomes unproductive. The Christians … Read more

The Advent season is here once more. In reflecting on today's scripture reading, I am reminded all over again that we are to prepare ourselves during these four weeks before Christ's birthday. To do so, we come from many different … Read more

Most people are aware of the recommendation that the oil in our vehicles be changed every three months or three thousand miles, whichever comes first. The reason for this change of oil is that the oil breaks down, and that … Read more

A friend I'd not seen in quite some time was at a meeting the other night. If her husband were to fetch her, she would have to leave early and miss half the meeting, so I offered her a ride … Read more

The Christmas story is one of the greatest stories ever told. Each year we look forward to hearing it told one more time. One thing we often overlook as we read the story of our Lord's birth is the tremendous … Read more

I don't know much about fishing, but Jesus said these words to Simon and his brother Andrew, who were fishermen. In the last couple of years, our family have been observing fish and we have been learning lots. It all … Read more

In this passage, we see Jesus reaching out to meet human need with understanding and compassion. He was reaching out to someone whom the rest of the world viewed as unclean, an untouchable. But Jesus only saw someone hurting, someone … Read more

One day we were standing on the hill (mount) of the sermon-on-the-mount account. Below us was Peter's boat out fishing on the Sea of Galilee. To our left, to the east, was the region known as the Golan Heights. A … Read more

Before I retired from gainful employment, I used to walk to the university nearly every day, summer and winter. In the winter I found myself intrigued by the rabbit tracks that crossed my path in the snow, particularly in the … Read more

She was wheeled through bolted doors, flung open to admit her. Shouting, somewhat incoherent, her presence broke in upon us, taking our attention captive. "That "blankety" Doctor! What does he know? I need a cigarette…. Get this junk out of … Read more

As a church we are called to copy Christ. Just as Jesus went about Galilee, in spite of the danger posed by the arrest of his cousin John, we are also called to be brave and bold for the Gospel. … Read more

"Repent!" John the Baptist cried. "Turn from your wrongdoing and show that you mean it by what you do!" With windblown unkempt hair matted from river water, he strode soaking wet with his roughly spun, camel's hair garment clinging to … Read more

Can you feel it? The air is electric with promise as Jesus begins his ministry. "The kingdom of God is at hand!" Literally, so close you can reach out and (almost) touch it! Every Advent we read these words. Do … Read more