Month: July 2009

My tomato plants are in the garden. Apart from some watering and fertilizing, I trust the results to God, who provides the warm sun and the rain. Yet as I watch the plants growing, I am aware of suckers. I'm not thinking of the kind we … Read more

Today, July 10, 2009, is the 500th anniversary of the birth of John Calvin. As I write this on the eve of the anniversary, 60 volumes of Calvin's works stand in front of me on the desk in my study, and the collection in my library is … Read more

My mom's feet looked awful, and she sadly knew it. Over the years, rheumatism and arthritis crippled her. Her toes were all bent and misshapen, and she was in constant agony, especially when she had to walk. It was heartbreaking to watch … Read more

When we think of gifts for women, we probably think of flowers, candy, etc. But what about a hand plough? Or maybe a wheelbarrow? I know a woman who got these last two as gifts. A hand plough as a gift for a woman? God gives Christians … Read more

Have you ever observed the tiny little seeds on a strawberry? They are so small that we hardly notice that they are there as we eat the berries. Yet for people who suffer from what is called diverticulitis, these tiny seeds can cause … Read more

Throughout this week, I've been at Montreat College with our senior high youth for their annual conference. It's about my tenth visit, and as usual, our church's teenagers are great witnesses to our congregation and faith. Our Youth … Read more

During the summer of 1976 and soon after graduating high school, I had the opportunity to travel abroad. Being a young teenager at the time, I did not fully appreciate the significance of many historical places. Of all the interesting … Read more

On May 9, 2009, Lauretta Balderston described her mother's bread-making techniques. In her devotional, Just A Pinch , she wrote: God takes our efforts, even when all we have is a pinch of faith, and uses them for His glory, in His time … Read more

When I was growing up, one of my favourite television programs was called The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau. I marvelled at the voyages of this famous deep sea diver, who travelled the oceans on his ship The Calypso. Each week, … Read more

Some time ago, I received a parcel delivered by express. In the parcel, I found a clear glass teapot, a tubular insert with tiny slits in the side, a clear glass top, and two small tins marked "Tea Flower". Not knowing how to operate … Read more