Author: Iris Ford

Suddenly, I was awakened! The sound was scary: vicious winds and pounding rain! It was the third bad storm to hit British Columbia's west coast in ten days. The leaves had long since been whipped off the trees, and the … Read more

Years ago, I was appointed by the Board of World Mission of The Presbyterian Church in Canada to the Peace River country in northern British Columbia, Canada. I had to learn to preach in a hurry, but my greatest joy … Read more

A bedtime back rub in the hospital used to offer wonderful comfort to soothe aching bones and bring on a sound, refreshing sleep. Some nurses had "the touch" that set them apart. Jesus' hands reached out to touch and heal … Read more

It was the Easter weekend, and I was a student far from home. Anxious to see more of California, I took off along with two friends to visit San Francisco. We pitched camp on Good Friday at a resort bordering … Read more

One recent night, I couldn't sleep, and as I lay awake praying, this thought came to me: the kingdom of heaven is like a recycling depot, with three bins! Yes, Lord, I know You used ordinary incidents in Your parables, … Read more

When I visited New Zealand some years ago, the host of our bed-and-breakfast sheep ranch heard of my interest in biblical sheep, and arranged to bring down some sheep to a nearby sheepfold. What are sheep really like? I expected … Read more

We call ourselves the "Motley Crew" and we certainly have a variety of experiences between us, being mostly retired clergy. With spouses and friends, we meet each month for a meal and fellowship. Together we must represent hundreds of years … Read more

Most Advent themes emphasize the preparations we are invited to make for the coming of our special baby — Jesus, born in Bethlehem. We clean the house and heart. We bake up a storm (maybe). We send out Christmas cards … Read more

There are many functions involved in Advent: preparing, watching, and praying, but it's the waiting that is hard. We know Advent is here again when every parking spot at the local mall is full, and every square on the calendar … Read more

Great excitement filled the air: the parade was coming. The little Mexican village of Ajijic on the shores of Lake Chapala was in an excited buzz. We were sitting at a roadside cafe, looking out on the local square with … Read more