"Would you like to redo this assignment?" my math professor asked me as he handed back the work that I had turned in to him the previous day. There was no grade at the top of the paper. He smiled kindly at me. "Just review your work." … Read more

Every few weeks, I go to our local library and peruse their book sale tables. Recently, I found 1,000 places to see before you die, by Patricia Schultz. A much-travelled freelance writer, she compiled a list of places that would "impress … Read more

When the light returns here in the far north of Canada after the long, dark days of winter, people feel such relief. Another cold, dark season is behind us. The long days of light, up to 22 hours of it, are spread before us. Jesus went … Read more

At some point in our lives, many of us will invest money for our retirement. Those of us who are retired may be drawing an additional source of income from the investments that we made when we were younger. Some, however, may have seen … Read more

One of our daughters lives in the state of Michigan, USA, some 800 km from where we live. For many years, we went there twice a year, in the spring and in the autumn. Going there and coming back, we always went about halfway, stayed … Read more

Like me, you might be somewhat disappointed with recent television offerings, filled with unwholesome deprivation, gratuitous violence, and calls for revenge. So, I was recently encouraged by an eight-episode Internet show called SGN ( … Read more

Preaching has always been at the heart of the Christian church ever since it was established. The good news of the gospel has been proclaimed in more and more nations in every generation since the time of Christ sending out His disciples. … Read more

Some years ago, my wife and I went on a guided tour of Israel with a group of Christians led by a pastor. We visited mostly sites of biblical importance, like Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and Jericho, and we spent considerable time in the … Read more

Three of my neighbours moved away this week into seniors' residences. It seemed rather sudden, but it likely won't affect me since I never knew them very well. However, when I got a call yesterday from a very dear friend telling me that … Read more

When my father was close to the end of his life here on earth in 1987, I spent a lot of time with him, and he told me many stories. He was born in 1900, and he went to work when he was twelve. He told me about the time when the first car … Read more

The dreaded phone call came from Canada in the middle of a missionary term in Papua New Guinea. Our housemaid answered and relayed the message to me when I arrived home for lunch. I'll never forget her exact words: "Rick, sorry … your … Read more

I can't help but notice all the banners flying around on cars for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™. As the matches begin today, the stadiums will be filled with people waving banners in support of their country's team. Coincidentally, … Read more

After His resurrection, Jesus showed Himself to His followers on several occasions. One of those was at the Sea of Galilee, after they had caught no fish all the previous night. This story reminded me of the time when I worked in the … Read more

In the 'seventies, I worked in England, and every other year, we would come back to Canada on home leave. Many times, when we returned to Europe, I would take a little present for the people who worked with me in the office. One year, I … Read more

The day was dark, foggy, and rainy, as I drove to the GO station to take the GO train with my friend from here in Barrie to the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto. I don't mind driving to Toronto or … Read more

I was recently with some sports fans who were watching American football. During one of the plays, a player went down with many other players on top of him in a heap. As everyone got back up, the poor guy … Read more

As often as my name is called, used, or written, there is no godly power in it to overcome any dark besetting negatives or sickness in others or myself. Jesus warned His disciples, "without Me you can do nothing." (John … Read more