As a pastor, I have seen many people do wonderful things for God that are remarkable, as well as effective. Their faith is both enthusiastic and energetic, as well as considerate and compassionate. Some people think that churches are full … Read more

Have you ever been asked that poignant question? One day on my way home from elementary school, a girl asked me that. Not being one of the more popular kids in town, I immediately became defensive and replied, "Are you afraid of your … Read more

One of the life-changing opportunities that I have had on mission trips to Nicaragua is to visit some of the prisons there. Going there each time has had a profound effect on me spiritually and emotionally. We go with a local pastor who … Read more

Recently, I attended the memorial service of a Christian friend. While I have gone to many such events, this one impacted me as no other has done. This woman's life, from the time she became a Christian, was one of service to others. The … Read more

On a recent visit to New York City, my husband Reg and I were in Times Square, and we saw an older woman protecting a pile of cardboard boxes. She was homeless and dressed in many layers of clothes, with a hat on, which reminded us of … Read more

Recently, I visited my daughter's family in rural northern Alberta, Canada. As is customary during these visits, I took my grandchildren to the playground at the school nearby. Hardly do these happy children realize how special it is in … Read more

Some time ago here in southern Ontario, there was a television report about people in a nursing home being abused and/or mistreated by members of the staff. There were pictures of one elderly lady being tossed into her chair and of … Read more

After my wife's death, a friend of her mother telephoned to offer her condolences. Among other things, she told me about being ambushed. This is when something happens that brings back memories. I follow a blog called Spitalfields Life … Read more

I had a dream. In my dream, I was walking on the sidewalk, up a hill, looking into storefront window displays. I stopped at one window, which was a jewelry store, and gazed at all the various items and precious stones that were on display. … Read more

During the last few days of August and the first week of September 2015, we have seen dozens of reports of refugees from Syria and Iraq escaping their war-torn countries. We have seen them trying to cross the sea from Turkey to Greece and … Read more

Looking out the front window, I notice that the sky is a lovely shade of blue with many white, fluffy clouds adding to its beauty. However, as I step out the front door in anticipation of a refreshing walk with my dog, Sparky, I am … Read more

Due to caring for elderly parents and dealing with family health issues, some days have felt especially dark and heavy, and I haven't been writing lately. But recently, today's verses challenged me to look for joy in the Valley of … Read more

Are we indeed our brother's keeper? Many may think not, but as in our biological family, we do not survive well unless we help each other. Many of our brothers and sisters carry loneliness around with them like a blanket. What can we do … Read more

On the wall above my computer is a large, framed picture that I embroidered. Its title is "White Pine", but I call it "The Widow". Centred in the near end of a narrow lane, a great, elderly, grayish-green pine tree stands alone, brittle … Read more

Have you ever had one of those days when everything you do seems to go wrong and you end up feeling frazzled with too many things on your plate? You feel like throwing everything up in the air and running away. I have. My day started by … Read more

It has been an eye-opener to me to find the many servants representing Jesus in my life. Many have shown their special gift in servanthood, walking the second mile with me. I recall an incident when I enquired of church members if any … Read more

Imagine your neighbour popping over every morning to beg for a scrap of bread. Meanwhile, you know that she has a stash of food supplies in her basement, because you donated it to her. In fact, you've given her a generous supply of … Read more

One of my favourite programs on television was Touched by an Angel. I enjoyed watching every episode, but it was the last episode, which came in two parts, "I Will Walk With You", that really struck home with me. A short synopsis of the … Read more

I remember, as if it were yesterday, attending a Tsimshian wedding. Many years ago, my husband and I travelled up the west coast of Canada, to share the wonderful message of the gospel of the living Christ. For our financial support, we … Read more

It all started when my friend invited me to visit her. She worked in the school at Ulukhaktok, a tiny Inuit village in the Land of the Midnight Sun. She thought that I might have the opportunity of teaching some classes and ministering in … Read more

A new year has begun, and it seems that each new year, we make resolutions to be a better person as we look forward to the second coming of Christ. Some declare that they would be healthier by joining their local YMCA or other organization … Read more

On one recent evening, at ten o'clock, our daughter and her husband were told by the local firemen to be ready in case they had to evacuate their house. There had been a major propane leak at the gas station in their small village, and … Read more

It was late, dark, and cold. As I arrived at the parked car, I opened the door and sat down. I was tired and looking forward to getting home to bath-time for the children and some warmed-up dinner. I put … Read more

The fresh snow on the small hill behind our home was a magnet drawing a group of children, sleds in tow, for some winter coasting. The sleds were of varying sizes and styles, but the children's sole purpose was to … Read more

A bad experience in early childhood taught me that I didn't want to arrive at any gathering too early. This desire to arrive later has also gotten me into embarrassing experiences. Somewhere between being first and last, awake and asleep, … Read more

Every eye in the congregation was transfixed by the light. The altar's peace candle had melted down, igniting the puddle of wax at its base, instantaneously transforming the flickering flame into a leaping, dancing passion. How timely, I mused, as … Read more

In late November, I joined a group of around thirty people, and we visited a local prison. Our mission was to set up a mini-store and allow selected prisoners to choose gifts for their children. Then we boxed and shipped … Read more

Late in the summer, we here in the Maritimes were battening our hatches down, awaiting the arrival of hurricane Earl. Forecasters alerted us to the fact that Earl was coming in all his dangerous splendour, and they were advising the … Read more

I am always up for something new, going back to school at the age of… well, let's not go there; let's just say that things have changed a lot. I am in the classroom for most classes, but I also … Read more

I have experienced the abysmal hopelessness that can enter a heart, spirit, and soul. I have experienced believing that there is no way out and no way back to a better life. For a season, I believed that I was … Read more

I often work late here at the university. On one recent occasion, I had just been for a break, when I found a student failing in his attempt to access the rear doors to the computer suite. He, like many … Read more

At the very first rendition in Dublin on April 13, 1742, Handel's Messiah raised 400 pounds for the poor and indigent, and freed 142 men from debtors' prison. Handel personally performed it for charity more than thirty times, and it … Read more

I skimmed over Matthew's parable of the talents this morning, knowing the parable's content, yet I gained a new insight. As someone who has sympathised with the poor chap who was given a single talent as a reluctant servant, I … Read more