Month: April 2006

A friend of mine used to talk about a quotation from Chapter 20 of "The Catcher In The Rye" by J.D. Salinger: "Who wants flowers when you're dead? Nobody." The implication of the speaker, Holden Caulfield, is that flowers are … Read more

The little rural church in which I grew up taught children that God hears every word spoken. Our teacher taught that every word we spoke was a reflection on our God, our church, and our family. This was in the … Read more

Years ago, when I was a seminary student, I spent a whole semester as an assistant at a church in a deprived area. It was a very humbling experience, for it taught me how much faith people can have, even … Read more

Although it was early in the growing season, the trees in the garden were dressed in their full summer greens. Most of the flower beds were filled with a variety of interesting plants, and blossoms of vivid colours accented the … Read more

Years ago, I was appointed by the Board of World Mission of The Presbyterian Church in Canada to the Peace River country in northern British Columbia, Canada. I had to learn to preach in a hurry, but my greatest joy … Read more

"I'm a surgeon in the Gold Coast, Australia," said the voice at the other end of the phone. "Your son is just being wheeled into surgery for a major abdominal operation following a surfing accident. I think it best that … Read more

A bedtime back rub in the hospital used to offer wonderful comfort to soothe aching bones and bring on a sound, refreshing sleep. Some nurses had "the touch" that set them apart. Jesus' hands reached out to touch and heal … Read more

My brother Alan is the most caring sibling in our family. He doted on my mother and took special care of her when she was ailing. He took time to wash her hair and make her comfortable. He and his … Read more

Recently, I was looking through magazine submission guidelines, when I came across an invitation for authors to submit their work for an elite client. Supposedly, the magazine offered its readers the "ultimate guide to the good life". The editors were … Read more

It was the Easter weekend, and I was a student far from home. Anxious to see more of California, I took off along with two friends to visit San Francisco. We pitched camp on Good Friday at a resort bordering … Read more