Some seasons in life bring triumph, some bring trials, and some bring a little of both. As winter transitioned into spring this year, to my dismay, it nudged me further into my season of spiritual stillness, a season designed to … Read more

I was extremely anxious. I had a family to support, but felt God's call into ministry. It was an appeal I had run from for some time. I finally gave in, knowing that it would mean uprooting my family and … Read more

Two years after we were married, my husband took a second job as a social worker. His main duty was to supervise teens and plan activities at a teen centre. Despite well-meaning programs, the teens still got into trouble. Sometimes, … Read more

I am part of a group of men at my church studying the entertaining yet profound fictional Christian classic, The Screwtape Letters, by C. S. Lewis. These "letters" are those of a senior devil, Screwtape, instructing a junior demon, Wormwood, … Read more

Yeast rolls are a sumptuous delight when served piping hot. In fact, when served at a restaurant, I could make my meal on them and would almost choose them instead of a high-quality steak. There is just something about the … Read more

When I was a "tween" (between childhood and adolescence), I was sweet on a boy in my class. Like many tween girls do, I found excuses to walk out of my way past his house. My hope was to catch … Read more

There are three boys in my family. As I compare myself to my brothers, I discover stark differences. I was the firstborn and have a Type A personality. My parents expected much of me. They taught me responsibility through chores … Read more

Initially in my early church life, I'd be most uncomfortable when anyone preached on the above Scripture. I didn't believe that I could attain to Jesus' love for every Christian in and outside my church. No, not me! Oh, my, … Read more

After a few weeks of repeatedly throwing kitchen peelings, food scraps, waste, and various animal manures on the top of the other rotting vegetation on my compost heap, it is frequently necessary to open up the heap to merge the … Read more

A fair bit of snow had fallen during this winter. My husband, who had recently acquired an antique car, had put it in an old shed so that it would have shelter for the winter. Knowing that work on the … Read more

One summer, I decided that I would read through the book of Romans. I'm a detailed, orderly, organized person, so I thought that if I could read two chapters a day, that would take eight days to complete. That would … Read more

I recently spent some time at a fairly common coffee establishment in town. As I sat down to grab a few minutes to read a book, I found my eyes being drawn to a lady who was drawing. She had … Read more

It was the worst mud I have ever encountered. Within minutes, I was three inches taller! The soles of my boots were caked with the stuff, and trying to get it off was next to impossible; it dried like cement. … Read more

What a delightful season we are entering! Robins return home and tiny crocuses poke their little heads up through the warming earth, even amidst the last bit of clinging snow. Baby ducklings follow mama duck, curiously turning to and fro, … Read more

The young man had six silver balls pierced through his lower lip. Three studs were on each side of a semi-circle loop which joined them together. Another woman had a silver stud through her tongue and half a dozen gold … Read more

Living in New Brunswick, Canada, we are certainly well acquainted with the seasons. Every season brings with it its own unique beauty. While I may complain about the cold winter weather (more so since getting older) and scooping the snow, … Read more

The minivan was packed to the limit for the two-thousand-kilometre trip to our new home. Tent, sleeping bags, portable fencing, duffle bags, deck box full of food and necessities, my daughter, myself, ten dogs, and two cats made up the … Read more

Over the past five years, my daughter and I have experienced one heartache after another, as we have been used or abused by people. Financially, we lost a large amount, due to a close relative who cheated us. I lost … Read more

During my childhood in England, shopping was an almost daily occurrence, in order to ensure that our food was as fresh as possible. Home refrigerators were rare, because they were not even close to affordable for the average household. My … Read more

Many years ago, when I was a young, inexperienced seminarian, my path crossed that of a woman who was consumed by guilt. Seeing my clergy collar, she wailed, "God may forgive you, but never me, never me, never me…" Her … Read more

Have you ever gotten into a conversation with someone who does not go to church or does not know the Lord? I am amazed at how those of us who are part of the church can be perceived. Even though … Read more

At church the other Sunday, one of our deacons tapped me on the shoulder, pulling me from the service, just as we were ready to share our "Joys and Concerns" prior to the pastoral prayer. She whispered in my ear, … Read more

One morning I was in a hurry. I was scurrying to get out the door to be at church early. The last thing on my list was to get myself ready. As I pulled a pair of nylons from the … Read more

When my large family of four generations gets together, it is an action-filled event. Tents are pitched for sleeping, and there is much to do. The day might be spent fishing, and there is room to kick a ball. It's … Read more

I came across a new word the other day: acedia. It means "spiritual languor". I guess it's like belief burnout or compassion fatigue. It's when we lose our connection to God, His church, or His people, and we end up … Read more

I have been writing devotionals for a few years now. It all started rather innocently. I was subscribed to the Presbyterian Church in Canada's Daily devotional which I read every day. At the end of each devotional, there is a … Read more