Years ago, I wrote a devotional for Palm Sunday entitled, "Donkey Business". I did not realize it at the time, but since then, I have had the opportunity to hear several inspired teachings that … Read more

Reflecting on my trip to Israel last November, I recall that one of my favourite sites was the ancient village of Magdala in Galilee. A most recent and fascinating archaeological discovery was a first-century synagogue with part of its … Read more

In November of last year, I had the opportunity to visit the Holy Land, along with my daughter and several others from my church. It was an amazing experience to walk the same ancient paths that Jesus walked and to see a number of … Read more

Sadly, on May 16th of this year, I lost one of my closest and dearest friends, Parise Arakelian. Often, when I tell others how we met through this PresbyCan ministry, they are surprised to hear that we never actually met in person, but … 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

Once in a while, I enjoy doing a word puzzle to enhance my vocabulary and concentration skills. The goal of one particular game was to find as many words as possible within the phrase, REMEMBER YOUR VALENTINE. It is believed that these … Read more

One of my most difficult challenges was raising a son with autism. Many times, I was at my wits' end. Until recently, I was unaware that the expression, "at wits' end" originated in the Bible. It literally means to "have wisdom swallowed … Read more

Have you ever wondered why the shepherds were the first to hear the good news of Christ's birth? Perhaps it was because they were humble, unlike the religious and political leaders of Jesus' day. However, this year, I learned of another … Read more

As a writer, I always use a thesaurus to help me to choose a word that will best communicate the idea that I want to convey. A thesaurus is also useful in selecting a different word with the same meaning in order to get my point across … Read more

Recently, my Wednesday evening Bible study group began studying the book of Daniel. During our last session, we discussed the historical events, recorded in chapter four, concerning King Nebuchadnezzar, ruler of Babylon. Daniel worked as … Read more

Interestingly, the event described in Mark's Gospel is the only time that we catch a glimpse of Jesus sleeping during His ministry. The day's teaching left Him exhausted, seeking privacy and rest. Nothing could disturb Him — not even … Read more

Recently, I watched a wonderful video presentation by Louie Giglio, pastor of Passion City Church in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. His message clearly demonstrated how nature itself, from the heavens to the great deep, is literally singing … Read more

My interest in box turtles seems to be having an effect on those around me. They want to know more about one of the most charming and docile creatures on this planet. Some of my friends enjoy giving me gifts with a turtle theme. I've … Read more

Last month, a baby robin fell out of its nest in my backyard. I tried to put it back, but the tiny residence was overcrowded; there was simply no room. Fortunately, this bird was fully feathered and nearly ready to fly. In the meantime, … Read more

In my Bible study group, someone relayed an amazing true story that had been circulating over the Internet. A photographer, while visiting Botswana's Central Kalahari Game Reserve in Southern Africa, captured on film a family of lions as … Read more

I enjoy watching the ducks and geese that frequently visit the pond across the street from my home. This year, I took the cutest picture of four goslings all lined up in a row following their mother as she led them into the water. For a … Read more

My mother was an excellent role model in my life while I was growing up. Despite many difficult challenges, through God's grace, she managed to remain strong and good-natured, exemplifying a genuine faith and passion for Jesus. It wasn't … Read more

Until recently, I hadn't given much thought to the reed (or mock sceptre) that was placed in Jesus' hand by His enemies on the day of His execution. But as part of my Lenten devotions, I read an interesting section about the reed in the … Read more

Recently, I began teaching a Bible study series that focuses on the Old Testament tabernacle. I use slides and other materials to explain its significance in Israel's history. In every detail, there's something fascinating to be learned. … Read more

This past Christmas, my family gave me a beautiful grandfather clock. It stands tall in the foyer and is the first piece of furniture that guests notice when they enter our home. The hourly chimes are delicate; they gently remind me … Read more

Years ago, the pastor of my church invited a rabbi from a local synagogue to host a traditional Passover meal for our congregation during the Easter season. It was an interesting experience, tasting various ritual foods, such as matzo, … Read more

Reflecting on today's Scriptures, I thought about my early upbringing in the Roman Catholic Church. I was taught to genuflect or bow the knee as a sign of reverence, as if Christ were physically present inside the sanctuary. Although … Read more

Some years ago, I purchased a "martyr's cross" to remind myself and others about the price that many have paid for their faithfulness in following Jesus. The symbols depicted are striking: they include a spike, an ichthus (fish symbol) … Read more

In June of this year, I had the awesome opportunity to witness three adorable baby wrens leave their nesting box. Their loud chirping filled my backyard with the sound of joy and excitement as they set out to explore the world. Yet, for … Read more

Two months ago, I injured my ankle when I tripped over a garden fence in my backyard. To my surprise, it was more serious than I'd first thought. An x-ray revealed that a bone was dislocated, so I needed surgery to repair it. Afterward, … Read more

Recently, I watched an interesting movie that brought back memories of a certain kind of pop art. The film portrayed the true story of "Big Eyes" artist, Margret Keane, who was famous in the 1960s and '70s. Her paintings depicted sorrowful … Read more

Preaching from the book of Leviticus, my pastor recently discussed the significance of the eighth day in light of biblical teaching. His message inspired me to explore this idea. Interestingly, the eighth day may be likened to a musical … Read more

Recently, my family went to see the movie "Risen", a film which uniquely depicts the resurrection through the point of view of an unbeliever. As in a detective story, Clavius, a high-ranking Roman official, is put in charge of solving the … Read more

Today's Scriptures bring back memories of a time when a dear friend turned against me and complained to other members of the church. I felt shocked, betrayed, and abandoned by someone I had trusted. Nonetheless, the personal pain that I … Read more

My Thursday evening Bible group is studying the Book of Revelation. Recently, we discussed the incredible actions of the angelic being in chapter ten. While this messenger is identified as a "mighty angel", some believe that the amazing … Read more

Pastor Phillips Brooks was known as a great orator in his day. Ironically, though, after visiting the actual site of Jesus' birth, he was moved beyond words. For the first time in his life, he was speechless — unable to communicate the … Read more

Recently, I read the story behind a popular Christmas carol, the song we all know and love, called "O little town of Bethlehem". The author, Phillips Brooks, lived during the civil war, a dark and tragic period in American history. … Read more

Recently, a friend invited me to a ladies' Christmas luncheon at her church. In front of everyone's seat was a beautiful poem written on decorative holiday paper. The title of the poem was "If You Look for Me At Christmas." The pastor's … Read more