Years ago, I was on a summer placement in the backwoods of Nova Scotia, Canada. Believe it or not, the phones were the old crank style and, more amazing, connected everyone in the community so that any and all could listen. No … Read more

In my early years, errors of judgement and traumas of life evoked strong emotional responses in me. Oppressive forces latched onto and hid behind the sin, guilt, and shame. These were external entities that were seeking to damage and … Read more

Before COVID-19, our church has usually had a Christmas craft fayre, mainly as an outreach for the local community. The church membership, who are mostly tasked with supervising the various craft table activities, come, too. They are … Read more

When I was a kid in Idaho's Bitterroot Wilderness, between the Snake and Salmon Rivers, one of the walls of our ranch was the Payette National Forest, with no neighbours nearer than 50 miles. Our front door was exactly in line with the … Read more

In Jesus' time, menstruation and gynecological issues made women unclean. Leprosy made anyone afflicted unclean. Being of a certain race or from a certain place, such as Samaria, led to one being relegated to second class, compared to a … Read more

When I first became a Christian, I wanted to tell the whole world about Jesus, but my biggest problem was how to communicate my faith to my family and friends. They knew everything about me — the good, the bad, and the ugly — so … Read more

As I was reading about this demon-filled Gerasene man, who was so possessed by a "legion" of demons that he was cutting himself with stones, I realized that when I was young, I never heard about young people cutting themselves or … Read more

It has been the subject of beautiful songs, inspirational art and fascinating sermons. But it was not until I heard this story in its original Jewish context that my eyes were opened to a richer, more powerful understanding of Jesus' … Read more

I remember my enthusiasm as a new Christian joining Bible studies at a quaint little church where I became a member. During one session, I was surprised when the minister confessed his prior disbelief in the existence of Satan during … Read more

The life of a toddler is nothing short of amazing. Everything is new, interesting, and a learning experience. There are no jaded outlooks or set ways to be broken. When you are in diapers, life is a free-for-all. I learned … Read more