Like most, the connection I have with home is the telephone. It has been a year since our daughter called with the news of our granddaughter's illness. She has a brain tumour, on which surgery was done. Because of its … Read more
I have chosen to host international students for the past twelve years. I have had young men from the Netherlands, Japan, Korea and Germany. Each of them came to stay with me through the Youth For Understanding programme. They came … Read more
Once again it is that time of year when many — like myself — decide it is time to lose a few pounds, and start to work out to get back into shape. After taking a couple of years off, … Read more
There is a game or custom in some families, often used at Christmas parties, in which numbers are randomly dispensed to each person, following which the person with the lowest number is called upon, and invited to open a gift … Read more
I often find myself longing for and desiring to live again in times that have already passed me by. What is often referred to as "the good ol' days" is sometimes quite an alluring thought for me. Sometimes I find … Read more
This is how we prepare for God's future. Celebrations for the millennium and the 125th anniversary of the Presbyterian Church will fade in time and memory. The Jubilee still stands before us as one of the crucial efforts and endeavours … Read more
This is how we prepare for God's future. The prophet would have us consider God's will for the world and for the church as we embrace a new year dawning. "'For surely I know the plans I have for you', … Read more
Our gospel passage echoes the same words as the passage in Samuel: "And Jesus increased in wisdom and in years, and in divine and human favour." God is the one who prepares for the future. From the beginning of time, … Read more
Samuel is a child of promise. His mother Hannah's prayer may be found at the end of chapter 1 and the beginning of chapter 2, and explains why this simple story is told. Chapter 1 ends with Hannah saying: "For … Read more
It's time to Celebrate! "This day belongs to the Lord! Let's Celebrate and be glad today." (Psalm 118:24) It's time to Celebrate! "The Lord is our God, and he has given us light! Start the Celebration!" (Psalm 118:27) It's time … Read more