At the age of six, when the truth about Father Christmas became apparent, I turned crimson with embarrassment. I had been taken in, shown to be gullible. From that moment forward, I began to consider all such deceits, foisted on … Read more
The two verses following today's scripture continue with the Lord giving his disciples the Lord's Prayer. Who among us can honestly say that their minds have never wandered during prayer? There are times when we have so much on our … Read more
Our mothers all give us advice when we are growing up. We do not always listen to these instructions, but some of them seem relevant to us. If this is the case, we decide to follow our mother's advice. If … Read more
I suppose each of us has had days when it doesn't matter what we try to do: it always turns out wrong. I had one such day not too long ago. I was working on something and it just wasn't … Read more
I enjoy having a garden during the summer. I enjoy growing things, and I love the taste of fresh vegetables, which are sometimes hard to get here in Alaska. I really like fresh tomatoes, so I try to take very … Read more
Have you ever sent a card or a letter to someone and included a scripture in it? I have, and I have also received help and encouragement from cards or letters that had a scripture for me to read and … Read more
Seventy years after the birthday it was written to celebrate, I discovered a hand-written letter from a father to his son at college in 1929. Congratulations to you from your Mother and the other members of the family upon the … Read more
For most of my adult life I have looked upon superstitious people with profound contempt. After I became a Christian, I sought to change this inappropriate attitude, but occasionally I fall into the old habit. I know an intelligent and … Read more
Almost two years ago, our nine-year-old Stephanie read a scripture reading during the worship service. It was a long reading taken from Exodus 4:1-17. That September Sunday, the church was full. Stephanie walked up to the lectern so that she … Read more
In spiritual Twelve Step Recovery programmes, Step 11 states that we "sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understand Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to … Read more