I once taught a faith and science course in which I challenged my students to bring a Christian worldview into their academics. Sessions included guest speakers who harmonized their Christian beliefs with the secular scientific view of … Read more

When it comes to my memory, on more than one occasion, I have been accused of being able to hide my own Easter eggs. Most of the time this indictment is not a good thing, but on occasion, it is quite helpful, since I am able to read books … Read more

It is better to have a good neighbour than a distant friend. – Old Dutch Proverb The other day, I read that since the rise of social media, email, and texting with people all over the world, we have much less contact with the people near … 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

Uniforms were required in the Christian school that my boys attended. They looked smart in their navy-blue dress pants and vests, crisp white shirts, navy socks, and black shoes. School uniforms were part of their training to grow in the … Read more

In celebration of the birth of a brand-new day and a brand-new year 2022, snowflakes fell from the sky like bright confetti, each one a miraculous reminder of God's love and faithfulness. The footprints of yesterday's sins vanished … Read more

Most of us think of investments in monetary terms. However, we can also make investments of time and energy by what we do and the actions that we take. The Oxford English Dictionary's first definition of the word "invest" is to "clothe a … Read more

I chat with God. I talk; He listens. It is called prayer. Thankfully, as I talk, I do not get to see His facial expressions, the odd shake or nod of the head, the smiles, the sadness, the waving of the arms, and what I think must be an … Read more

"Just love everybody. I'll sort 'em out later. — God" When I first read that quote recently on a church reader board, I thought that it was a bit flippant and irreverent. After all, the "everybody" in today's world indeed includes many … Read more

You may have seen the phrase in today's title a time or two, but it holds special meaning for me, and the pandemic is messing it up! For years, my weekly routine included a trip to the Canadian Blood Services. I gave about two hours each … Read more

When we sit at our tables awaiting our meals in the residence in which I live, the servers come to their assigned tables and inquire what we wish to eat. Lately, they have been coming with iPads, showing pictures of the options and … Read more

As the tour bus wound through the Galilean countryside into the Golan Heights, our guide pointed out the bright yellow signs posted on wire fences along the road: Danger! Mines! — in English, Arabic, and Hebrew. Mines are still buried … Read more

The World Health Organization has declared this latest coronavirus a pandemic. This directly affects life for all of us to some degree. At first it was a sad development in far-away China, where sickness and death rapidly spread. Then it … Read more

The age of being politically correct is a struggle for some people. Ways of speaking and behaving have changed and are changing. The second great commandment — "You shall love your neighbour as yourself" (Matthew 22:39 NRSV) — is the … Read more

The second year that I lived in my summer home — a fifth wheel trailer (or RV) — the dual-power refrigerator quit working via electricity. Through a series of events — partly my fault, partly someone else's — it worked only on propane … Read more

Here in North America, society seems to be evolving to a state where everyone — irrespective of gender, race, culture, religion, or political views — has equal freedom to hold and practice their beliefs. Simultaneously, however, … Read more

During the last several years, there have been reports of hundreds of thousands of people being displaced by wars and uprisings, or leaving their homeland for economic reasons. We hear and read about them on a daily basis. Many are living … Read more

When my husband and I visited one of the Caribbean islands, our plane landed in the evening. Along with other arrivals, we were met and shuttled to the resort where we had reservations, paid in advance. After checking in and being shown … Read more

"Please, will you ask her?" I pleaded with my older sister for the umpteenth time. Katrise lived next door. She was my older sister's best friend and was having her Sweet Sixteen birthday party in a few days. I wasn't invited; I was only … Read more

One of my great pleasures in life is reading, but guilt sneaks in whenever I sit down to imbibe in a gluttony of chapters. "A waste of time," whispers the little voice in my head. "You must vacuum, dust, write something, or cook a meal … Read more

Early this year, a friend asked me to share a devotional for the ladies' conference at her church. She asked me to speak on the theme, "Sisters in Christ" and what it means to be a family of believers, encouraging one another, … Read more

I recently attended the funeral of a man who was a true person of faith, who had seemingly ministered to others his whole life — both in and out of ordained ministry. During his message, the eulogist spoke of the profound impact that … Read more

At a picnic this past summer, I left my wide-brimmed, white cotton hat on a lawn chair to save my seat while going through the food line. When I returned with my loaded paper plate, someone was sitting on my hat! Shutting my mouth, I … Read more

Do you make new year's resolutions? I do. As I think of those resolutions in the first few hours, days, and weeks of a new year, I often hear the words of a particular song playing in my head: "Day by Day", a song from the 1971 Stephen … Read more

Communication is an art — and difficult to master. Life is never easy when parents lose an infant or a young child. Though I've never said it myself, I've been in the presence of others who said to grieving parents, "God just wanted … Read more

Sometimes, I watch shows on television which clearly illustrate how so many people today think only of themselves. Yes, we are a selfish community going our own ways. We sometimes raise money or donate clothing for a needy family or for … Read more

Have you ever been asked that poignant question? One day on my way home from elementary school, a girl asked me that. Not being one of the more popular kids in town, I immediately became defensive and replied, "Are you afraid of your … Read more

The dream seemed so real. Brilliant light flooded bright green trees and verdant grass. In the open air, a table covered with white linen stretched into eternity. Each place setting of fine bone china, crystal goblets, and shining, gold … Read more

It is seldom now that others mention or even remember that grief continues to be a big part of my life. That's why this note from a fellow devotional author caught me by surprise. Dear Brenda, I guess you are now settled into being the … Read more

Recently, I felt like I had totally and completely lost control over every aspect of my life. Even though I didn't really realize what was happening, I had become angry at everything and everyone (including myself), and to be honest, with … Read more

On a recent Wednesday, I went to the hardware store to try and get parts for a leaky tub faucet. The man in the plumbing section was very helpful. He took the old part and said that he could try to take it apart so that we could replace … Read more

We have all been invited to something at one time or another, perhaps a dinner at someone's house, or a party, a barbecue, or a potluck supper. We have been invited to birthday parties and weddings, or to come to church with someone. From … Read more

We were recently at the King's Buffet restaurant with a group of friends. What an assortment of foods — a true feast! There was so much to choose from and too many choices to have something of everything — everything from breakfast items … Read more