One night not too long ago, I watched on television an old movie, "Sink the Bismarck". The story retold the sinking of the German battleship during World War II. The Bismarck was considered to be the last word in ocean … Read more

My grandson spent last summer in the Navy Reserve. At the end of the training, his family and I went to the graduating ceremony. When we arrived, we asked for him by his first name, and no one knew whom … Read more

Growing up during the great depression of the 1930s, our family didn't have much to spend on the little "extras" of life. We were fortunate, living in the country, that we always had plenty to eat, thanks largely to a … Read more

Over the years, I have received many gifts: at my birthday, at Christmas, and at other times. Some were expensive; all made my life a little happier, at least for a while. It occurred to me the other day that … Read more

I recently inherited a family heirloom: a pair of silver candlesticks and a pedestalled silver bowl my mother used to call a compote. I treasure these things because they were given to my parents by a grateful congregation my father … Read more

It is early on a Sunday morning as I sit, ready and waiting to go to church, preparing my mind and heart to sense, again, the awesome reality of His presence. It has been a difficult week, weather-wise. Most of … Read more

Recently I returned home to Toronto, Ontario, Canada, from visiting my two children in British Columbia. While there, I was constantly thrilled by the beauty of the trees and shrubs seen at every turn in the road. I think it … Read more

Recently, I decided, as part of my legacy for my children, to compile into a small book some of the devotionals I have written. Afterward, it occurred to me that I might make a copy of the book available to … Read more

Some years ago, I had the privilege of spending three days in a "poustinia" at the Madonna house, a retreat centre in northern Ontario, founded by the late Catherine de Hueck Doherty. She explained that "poustinia" in Russian means "desert", … Read more

Yesterday, conducting a chapel service for men at the local prison, I showed part of the movie "The Passion Of The Christ". In the scene in the garden, Satan assails Jesus with questions: "Who is He? Does His Father care?" … Read more

I attend our Wednesday evening Eucharist whenever I can make it, and it has long been a blessing to me. Last Wednesday, though, looked like an exception. I parked the car on the street as usual and opened the door … Read more

When I was a child, I loved waking up each day. My head swam with visions of the exciting things which might await me. If my parents had not yet awakened and I had to wait for them to do … Read more

In my childhood, we lived in the country, far from "the big city" — Toronto, Ontario, Canada. There wasn't much to do for entertainment. Sundays were long and tedious, since their observance dictated that we do nothing but go to … Read more

Recently, while waiting to check out my purchases at the grocery store, I overheard the man in front of me complaining about the pains and difficulties of getting old. When it came my turn, the cashier said that she liked … Read more

Recently, I stood with a friend at the bedside as his beloved father struggled to die. For several days this man's family watched as he gasped for breath, unconscious of those waiting through those last hours with him. I could … Read more

Years ago, when I was working for one of our largest corporations, a new concept was introduced to its management. We were all to set down our "Mission Statement", our "raison d'être", our reason for being. … Read more

It was mid-January, and the coldest January in recent memory. My car is relatively new and well cared for, so imagine my shock and frustration when I went to go out one frosty morning and it wouldn't start. The Motor … 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

Frequently, I have to go out late at night. When I am returning home, as I pass the local doughnut shop, I sometimes succumb to the temptation to stop for a delicious cruller (a sinful indulgence) to munch on, as … Read more

Yesterday I decided to return a movie on Digital Video Disk that I had rented. Returning from the store by my normal route, I quickly realized, as I entered the freeway, Highway 427, that I was in trouble. Nothing was … Read more

I received a phone call from my sister, aged 89, alone for a week at the family cottage. The beauty of her words inspired these thoughts. She said, "It is now night, and I am looking out at the lake. … Read more

Recently, my nephew took his mother and several others of us out for dinner to celebrate her 89th birthday. He took us to a fine dining room in Mennonite country near St. Jacobs in rural Ontario, Canada. On the way, … Read more

One day recently, I had to attend a meeting in St. Catharines, in the midst of Ontario's fruit- and flower-growing farmland. The meeting, to plan for a ministry in a prison, was in a beautiful church set in the middle … Read more

It wasn't my best day. Owing to the recent battle with SARS in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, the day started with the disappointing cancellation of my regular visit to our local detention centre, a volunteer service which always inspires me. Then … Read more

Since childhood, I have always wanted to put off the moment when I must say goodbye to the day and climb into bed. As a result, I have come to rely on music to help me drift off. A short … Read more

The other morning, as I was getting dressed, I noticed a hole in my sock, and the strange thought struck me, "I am rich!" How does one measure these things? Well, I was remembering how, back during the depression of … Read more

Everyone is in a hurry! One day recently, I was driving on a street near my home, when I noticed a work truck blocking one lane ahead of me. I put on my signal to warn others that I intended … Read more

A few months ago, the remnant of a tropical storm howled through our city. The next morning when I awoke, I went to my window to see what, if any, damage had been done. The breeze was now gentler, and … Read more

Several weeks ago our pastor asked me to play a very special role. I was to be Saint Nicholas and to be introduced to the children during the children's time in the morning service. It is sad that most people … Read more

I know that when Shakespeare wrote the words of today's title, he was thinking of erotic love, but, this morning, music fed my love for Jesus in a wonderful way. After my morning reading, I listened to a tape of … Read more

Having been raised in farm country, I grew up with a hatred of the thistles the farmers often found in their fields of wheat. Some time ago, I drove through a local park, which had been let grow naturally, instead … Read more

Some years ago, the congregation I was serving gave my wife and me a trip to Israel, returning through Greece and Rome. One of the highlights of that trip was a visit to Athens, where I stood on the Areopagus, … Read more

The bread used in our church for communion is the unleavened wafer, which, when taken into the mouth, dissolves slowly on the tongue. Each time I take this bread, I hold it in my mouth until I return to my … Read more