Aging is inevitable because it is part of the life cycle that each of us has to face. Today's verse tells us that God knows the direction and the outcome of each person's life. Over the years, I have had the privilege of being able to … Read more

How much does your family know about you? My dad did not share his life and thoughts with us, though I believe that he was tormented by memories of his time as a prisoner of war in World War II. Many times, he would be deep in thought, … Read more

In a sermon that he delivered in 1522, Martin Luther told the story of Simeon and Anna. There he praised Anna as full of the Holy Spirit: "Most assuredly the Holy Spirit dwelled in her, and … Read more

There is a type of corny joke that's been around for years, something like this: "Old librarians never die; they just check out", or "Old janitors never die; they just kick the bucket." Here's a new one: "Old preachers never die; they … Read more

Seventy years ago today, I entered this life. The expectation at that time was that a good and long life would span 70 years, and maybe, just maybe, I might see 80. Her majesty was just beginning her reign, acceding to the throne on … Read more

I believe that the innate desire to respond to the Conductor's cues begins in the womb: The gift of music is grounded in God's love. This heart-to-heart connection with our Creator explains why worship ministry is as vital as mother's … Read more

The older I get, the more I understand my need for introversion. The world has become a frenzied, noisy, and greedy place that I find difficult to embrace or accept. I cherish quiet places and people, solitary moments and tranquil times … Read more

We were early that very first Sunday morning when my husband Marcelo and I walked into what would become our new church home. Sitting on the back row in her wheelchair, an elderly woman, excited to see us, motioned for us to come near. … Read more

From reading the Daily devotionals, I have come to the conclusion that some of the authors and probably a great number of the readers are people of advanced years. I am one of them. I have done a variety of tasks in the churches that we … Read more

Either today or next Sunday, many Christians around the globe will observe the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. This practice not only comforts those who are suffering, but it unites believers worldwide in taking a … Read more

Here in southern Ontario, Canada, we have had a very severe winter. It started somewhat late, but when it came, it came with a vengeance. We had temperatures of -25 to -30 degrees Celsius many nights in a row. February was the coldest … Read more

"When I grow too old to dream, your love will live in my heart." How many reading today remember that old song sung by Vera Lynn? Yesterday, we celebrated the birthday of the youngest daughter of my son, who mentioned, "Do you know … Read more

One Sunday in November, we had a reception after church to recognize the members of our congregation who are over 90. There were ten of them; some were in attendance, others were not. And looking at the age of the members of our … Read more

At 84, I think of childhood days, and some events come vividly to mind. There came a time when my parents bought a building lot from a farmer just on the other side of the river where we lived. The foundation for our new home was made of … Read more

Let us look in on the Plaza de Sant Roc de Sabadell, Barcelona, Spain. There stands a man with his bass fiddle poised to start playing his instrument. A young girl approaches the man's hat on the ground and drops in a coin. The man draws … Read more

Now that I'm at that latter stage of life as an "Oh, you're looking well" person (which I insist on interpreting as "merely grown-up"), one or two may ask, "Isn't your work done yet? I thought you'd retired." Well, not … Read more

Israel's incident at "Marah", which means "bitter", can be compared to many of life's experiences as we journey through the wilderness of this world. If you are like most people, there probably have been hardships in your life when you … Read more

Being of British background, I grew up with "Show a stiff upper lip", "Be strong in times of adversity", "Be tough", "Press on", "Just be strong". When I came to the Lord six years ago, the Lord began a restoration … Read more

That's how both recipes start out: "Take an old hen." (Modern supermarkets label these as "stewing hens".) "Put it in a slow cooker and add 3 coarsely chopped carrots, onions, celery stalks, 1 cup sliced mushrooms, 2-3 cloves of garlic, … Read more

I am a terrible hoarder. I keep things in my two studies that I will never use ever again. I've got pens that have dried up, pieces of paper with messages written long ago, notebooks full of half-baked ideas, cassette … Read more

When I was in high school, I had a paper route, which included visiting a nursing home for the elderly. I went around the wards selling the local evening newspaper, and even stood outside the large cafeteria, waiting for the … Read more

From the moment we are born, we are being taught. First, it is our parents, and then slowly, others are integrated into our lives: grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, babysitters, Sunday School teachers, school teachers, friends. We learn even from those … Read more

It's my age that makes a conversation piece at chit-chats. Someone's birthday brings us to think of our ages, and we begin the guessing. I am not good at guessing ages, but others bravely do so. What is systematically amazing … Read more

The Bible tells us not to discourage the young in their attempts at learning or doing things. We also need to see how excluded some older folk often feel. They are still necessary and are our greatest teachers. Twice a … Read more

Two years ago when the local YMCA had its grand opening after renovation, a lovely cement planter was placed at the entrance filled with shrubs, smaller blooming plants, and vines, creating a lovely spot of beauty for those going in … Read more

Retiring must be hardest for those who have given their lives to serving others. Dad had a heart condition and was forced to retire from the ministry. He had been a carpenter as well. He had carpentry tools and the … Read more

Recently, a number of events, contacts regarding a wedding with a young woman I baptized when she was a baby, my son's 53rd birthday, and now my own drawing near, have served to remind me that "Time marches on!" My … Read more

One day recently, after I'd missed my bus at the mall, I ended up waiting for the next bus with a 95-year-old woman, who was on her way to buy groceries by herself. She hadn't been out of the house … Read more

It was time to have my hearing tested. While I waited at the doctor's office for my appointment, around me, I observed fellow geriatrics with walkers and canes. A lady with a hearing aid smiled from her chair to everyone. … Read more

Upon entering a little bead shop in Maui, a most beautiful song coming over the sound system seemed to soar right through to my soul. I asked the clerk to tell me who was singing. As she handed me the … Read more

Malcolm Muggeridge at 84 wrote an article entitled Beyond Death. "And so I live, just for each day, knowing my life will soon be over, and that I, like Michelangelo at the end of his life… 'have loved my friends … Read more

Our congregation gave a gift not long ago. It was a gift in honour of a wonderful woman of one hundred years. What do you get for someone turning one hundred? Let me tell you what we did as a … Read more

"Old age, to the unlearned, is winter; to the learned, it is harvest time." I minister to an older congregation and they continually astound me with the joy of living to an old age. I am in my forties and … Read more