"I cherish the sacred place of solitude … an abyss opening up in the center of my soul." – Peter Feldmeier Have you ever found yourself utterly alone — perhaps through rejection or exclusion, or simply through exhaustion from doing … Read more

Life can feel like a thrilling roller-coaster ride. A day can be filled with "scream-provoking" or "fear-filled" moments that overwhelm us by their intensity, or they can be mere side-show distractions that draw our attention and keep our mind focused … Read more

Some people think that the work of the Holy Spirit is just to infuse everyone with dynamic energy so that worship services, ministries, and missions can be made more effective, positive, and amazing. Far too often, we have this idea … Read more

I get lots of unsolicited email. I view their subject titles and origins, just in case a genuine email is found, like a needle in the proverbial haystack. If only these communications were true and I gave them my bank … Read more

A number of years ago, my wife and I were attending a function in Maine, USA, just over the border from where we live. It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon. The fellowship with friends was wonderful. At one o'clock, they … Read more

As I was washing the dishes, I looked out the kitchen window and noticed a bird in the backyard. The starling was flapping about in an awkward way. As I gazed at him, seeking to figure out this puzzle, it … Read more

Years ago, when I ministered to the Scottish fishing village of Dunure, some people stopped coming to church. Eventually, they were asked by a couple of elders about why they had become non-attenders. They replied, "He's too evangelical for me." … Read more

One of nature's greatest sights is the hundreds and thousands of birds gathering in autumn for their winter migration. Another of nature's great marvels is how they reach their destination. Among the best known of the migratory birds is the … 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

One of the very first Sunday school lessons that I can remember was all about joy. My teacher asked our class what joy was, and we all answered with the usual "being happy", "smiling", and "laughing out loud". She then … Read more

Our granddaughter has now started Grade 10 in secondary school. During 1991, she experienced a whole year of chemotherapy. The end result, after praying that the tumour would not grow, was that it actually shrank from the size of a … Read more

Recently while I was in hospital for a surgery, though the stay was only three days, it was a stressful time for me. I am a person who likes to be able to see outside a lot, and the Lord … Read more

Once I decided to face my fear of feeding the chickens, it wasn't the belligerent rooster that made my trip memorable. It was the mouse scurrying about the feed bin that caused me to run back to the house. This … Read more

On a recent trip, the voices, which have been attacking me for so long, were clamouring again for my attention, though I was trying my best to ignore them. Yet, as I journeyed along the now less-travelled but more scenic … Read more

After working for six hours, putting together the latest edition of The Bleckley County News, I got the call that my other "boss" had taken a job at the University of West Alabama. My first thought was, "Where in the … Read more

Around the campus of the University of West Alabama, there is a paved loop. Most people walk the Loop Walk to get healthy, others to lose weight, and some to get stronger. Me? You are going to think I am … Read more

At one time or another we have all been bumped, and it hurts. I once worked for a company where I trained my best friend, so I thought, to do my job, and guess what! They gave her my job! … Read more

It was Christmas Eve when we entered the church, and we were all given a candle. When the time came, the Christ candle was lit and the lights of the sanctuary were dimmed. From that one candle the light was … Read more

In Newfoundland there is a bay called Bay d'Espoir, which means Bay of Hope. As a first time devotional writer, I finish what I think will be a series of four and prepare to send them to the Daily editor, … Read more

A familiar tune that's heard throughout the Christmas season is Elvis Presley's "Blue Christmas". Whether it's Presley's powerful voice, the strings of some instrumental, or the strains of friends pouring out their hearts in song, it is traditionally counted among … Read more

Do you smell smoke? Go ahead; check yourself; I'll give you a second. Well… do you smell smoke? You say you're being tried and pushed, tempted and persecuted, talked about and scorned, cheated on and beaten; you say you're going … Read more

A radio talk-show hostess was interviewing a blind athlete. I admire this particular interviewer, for she "knows her stuff", and she is sincere. She knows exactly the right questions to ask; how to ask them; and when to ask them. … Read more