Long ago, I began the habit of keeping a record of ailments and illnesses that had come to visit me. The list is long, including measles, mumps as an adult, viral infections, surgery, and pneumonia. I also began to keep … Read more
Search Results for: "2 Corinthians 5:"
New Identity
My grandparents built their home with little money and much love. It became a monument of memories: meals in the kitchen, laughs in the living room, bubble baths in the claw-foot tub, bedside prayers, and occasional spankings in the laundry … Read more
Real Reconciliators
I used to hate a guy called James [not his real name] who lived about five hundred yards from my home. I don't what started the rivalry, but his house was in a different street, so that automatically put him … Read more
A New Creation, Or There's Hope For Us!
One of my housecleaning clients gave me a potted plant that should have been planted outside. This was very nice of her, and I appreciated it. However, the timing was poor. The next day, I took the plant with me … Read more
Thanksgiving Dinner
Isn't it just like God to have a plan beyond what we can ever dream is possible? Last Thanksgiving, when most people were with their families, my husband and I decided to go out to lunch after church. Unbeknownst to … Read more
Failure Turned Inside Out
Two years ago I made a small resolution at the New Year, one that I knew was attainable if I kept my focus and remembered to ask God daily for His help. This year, I renewed that small resolution because … Read more
Self-Worth
In one computer game I play, the computer talks to me. The voice is actually quite irritating. The messages it gives me, though, are encouraging. It tells me, "Awesome", "Good move", "Level completed". I feel good about myself every time … Read more
Family Photo
I was looking at an old photo, taken in the fall some years ago, showing our family walking down a country road amid a blaze of coloured leaves. It brought back pleasant memories of days now gone by. A photo, … Read more
The Old Becomes New
Time has not been kind. There are severe dents and chips on the surface marring its original beauty, and exposure to the elements has eroded the very heart of its character and charm. My current "fix-up" project is to restore … Read more
A World Of Difference
It's very hard not to be judgmental of other people, especially if they are different. I can remember my eldest daughter coming home from Middle School in tears. Earlier in the morning, she had seemed so bright and eager to … Read more
For The Beauty Of The Earth
Recently I returned home to Toronto, Ontario, Canada, from visiting my two children in British Columbia. While there, I was constantly thrilled by the beauty of the trees and shrubs seen at every turn in the road. I think it … Read more
Come, Sweet Death
Recently, I stood with a friend at the bedside as his beloved father struggled to die. For several days this man's family watched as he gasped for breath, unconscious of those waiting through those last hours with him. I could … Read more
Faith Or Feelings?
So often in the daily grind of my life, I find myself faced with difficult choices and decisions. We all do! What to say, how to say it, where to go, what to do — What? When? Where? Why? How? … Read more
From The Old Things To The New
My husband, daughter and I are now living in what has been the family cottage for the past 40 years. Over the past two years we have completely transformed the cottage into a beautiful home. Last fall, my good friend … Read more
True Victory
Her body died today, August 26th, at 3:45 a.m. Judy, my sister, is gone. Our shared memories are now only mine. Prolonged illness, painful suffering and an early death at 52 were part of her worldly package. Cancer is so … Read more
Our Home Away From Home
Our home away from home was our tent. This tent was used for summer vacations and weekend escapes. As time passed, this tent took on many different forms. You might say it grew wheels, and eventually even a motor. As … Read more
The School Bus
He doesn't have temper tantrums. Screaming and yelling are unknown to him. He is a very mild-mannered little boy. Yet there, in the middle of the mall, he threw himself to the floor, flailed his arms and legs, and screamed, … Read more
Hidden Beauty
Newly wed, the young couple was enthusiastic about furnishing their home. They invited me to see the table they had found in a local used furniture store, which was to have pride of place as their dining table. I was … Read more
A Loop Walk With The Lord
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
Not Just For Christmas
Caroline, my wife, reminded me the other day of a car sticker from the past, which proclaimed: "A dog is for life — not just for Christmas." This was promoted in an effort to make parents stop and think about … Read more
Heavenly Reflections
Recently, I celebrated a "milestone birthday". At the urging of a couple of friends, I put together a small celebration at a downtown bistro. The food was wonderful, the company delightful, and the gifts very generous. Everyone seemed to have … Read more
Thoughts On A Boiled Egg
One day recently, an egg I had boiled for my breakfast evoked my sense of awe. I wondered how anyone could behold the perfection of its shape, the beauty of its construction, and the promise of life within, and yet … Read more
This Ole House
Driving south from Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada, last summer, we came around a curve in the road, and I was startled by the view before me. There was a large hill, on top of which stood the skeleton of what … Read more
It's Not About Me!
Everyone knows at least one "Me" person. "Me" people say, do, and feel mostly about themselves, not about others, nor about God. Christianity transforms "Me" people into "Thee" people, through the miraculous spirit of love found uniquely in Christ. As … Read more
Great Is God's Faithfulness
Yet another year has flown by. It seems each passing year goes more quickly than the year before! And so now, we are faced with the beginning of another brand new year with: – new opportunities – new challenges – … Read more
The End Of A Cycle – The Beginning Of New Life
Not everyone who meets his future wife on New Year's Eve gets married seven months later, and stays married for 18 years, but I did. There is the grace of God for you, the power of the new creation. Having … Read more
Transformed
It was the week before Christmas. Calgary, Alberta, Canada, had just become our new home and we were excited about going Christmas tree shopping. The first Christmas tree lot that we visited was a great disappointment, as the trees resembled … Read more
The Tune-up
A "No smoking, except in designated areas" sign catches my eye, as I look around the waiting room of the car dealership. I have finally brought my car in for a lube, oil, and filter change. This is a recommended … Read more
Walking Blindfolded
I had the chance recently, while on a mission trip, to take a trust walk. A trust walk involves getting together with another person for a walk through the woods. The only difference is that one of the walkers is … Read more