Month: July 1998

During the half hours that it took my dad to take his medicine by machine, I'd wander down to the dining room of the care home and visit with the other residents. I knew most of them from my youth; … Read more

1 cup tension 2 cups stress 1 1/2 teaspoons of guilt 2 heaping cups of limited time 3/4 tablespoon of urgency A dash of "no other choice" 3 heaping cups of faith Fold ingredients gently into a bowl. Mix vigorously … Read more

Sometimes in ministry you are given the opportunity to browse the library of a friend who is retiring with the expectation you will find a gem to carry home. During one such experience, I came across a book by William … Read more

My younger brother had a tool franchise for six years and often when I'd visit him, we'd go out into the van after supper and put away stock together. He'd call out the number, I'd tick it off and put … Read more

Harsh words? I was like that teacher of the law. I wanted to go to places where Jesus taught — Church, books, Bible studies – I followed His work. Until He asked these harsh words: "Do you love me? I … Read more

Have you ever given yourself to prayer for what seems a long time and discovered it was only a few minutes? As a young man in the pastorate and seeking to develop my prayer time, I discovered I was concerned … Read more

For several years the bank behind our house was slowly slipping into the gully below. It wasn't really noticeable at first, but then it seemed to slip away at about an inch a year. No one wanted to take responsibility, … Read more

At first I saw God as my observer, my judge, keeping track of things I did wrong, so as to know whether I merited heaven or hell when I die. He was out there, sort of like a president. I … Read more

It was a perfectly ordinary loaf of bread. Baked in a local bakery, rather than conglomerate bread, it was unsliced and packaged in a plain plastic bag with a little paper label. It was unwanted. It was all alone on … Read more

Towering high on the hilltop, the belfry of the Benedictine Monastery just seems to beckon you towards its place of peace and quiet. The monks don't mind you meandering their meadows, savouring the sights and sounds which grace their grounds. … Read more