Author: John Stuart

When I was growing up, I often heard the term, "the apple of my eye", usually from my grandmother, who used it for all twenty-two of her grandchildren. We don't hear it so much these days, which is a pity, because it's one of those … Read more

When I was at high school, I had a part-time job on an ice cream van. For four nights a week, I used to serve up cones, wafers, and popsicles to families all over the subdivisions where the van travelled. On hot summer nights, the kids … Read more

Recently, I joined Facebook. I really enjoy reading what other people are up to each day and sending them words of encouragement and laughter in the "Comments" section. It's a wonderful way of keeping in contact with friends, both near … Read more

I didn't know it at the time, but my name and telephone number were etched onto a wall inside a cell of the local police station. At some point, I must have helped someone in the Scottish town I was serving, and he or she had marked it on … Read more

Years ago, there was a terrible storm which unexpectedly hit the west coast of Scotland late one afternoon. All the fishermen in my parish desperately fought against the wind and waves that threatened to engulf their boats. One by one, … Read more

There are some things that I really miss about not being in Scotland, even after all of these years. I get homesick for the people, the places, the scenery, and the songs. I long for the accents and traditions, the green hills and the … Read more

I think I must have conducted about 750 funerals over my twenty-three years in ministry. When I was a pastor in Scotland, I looked after two parishes, and on average, I officiated at about two funerals a week. I can even remember one busy … Read more

Sometimes when I pray to Jesus, my heart is so full of the many ways in which I have disappointed Him. I'll remember a harsh word that I've recently spoken, or a promise that I've cast aside, or even a person that I've unintentionally … Read more

Many years ago, around the same time as St. Patrick's Day, I can remember seeing one of the most beautiful rainbows I have ever seen in my life. The colours were absolutely vibrant, and it stretched across the dove-coloured sky in an … Read more

I wasn't a very nice person when I was a drunk. In fact, I was more likely to get me and my friends in trouble through the stupid things that I would say or do. One minute, everything in the pub could be fine and dandy; the very next … Read more