Rev Shirley Murphy
The thoughts, reflections, faith stories and meanderings of an 
Anglican Priest

The young man had lost his job and didn't know which way to turn. So, he went to see the old preacher. Pacing about the preacher's study,...

“Advent” is a rather odd word; you don’t often hear it in everyday conversation. Some may use it to mean “onset,” as in the advent of an...

Dear Mom, We're still in Bethlehem -- Mary and I and little Jesus. There were lots of things I couldn't tell you about last summer. You...

A missionary on furlough told this true story while visiting his home church in Michigan... While serving at a small field hospital in...

It occurs to me that I have a lot in common with a pencil. That's right – a simple and humble little pencil. Not the fancy mechanical...

Perhaps the most quoted poem on war, In Flanders Fields was first published in December 1915 after it was penned by Canadian physician...

"The Robe" (1953), Starring Richard Burton, Jean Simmons, and Victor Mature, this Hollywood Cinemascope spectacle is the story of an...

Think about this for a second, what makes you happy? What circumstances, people, things, occasions make you happy? Maybe you want time to...

Then out of the storm the Lord spoke to Job. “Who are you to question my wisdom with your ignorant, empty words?” Job 38:1 As I reflect...

Bubba was bragging to his boss one day. "You know, I know everyone there is to know. Just name someone, anyone, and I know them." Tired...

I recently came across this hymn during a devotional and was drawn to the words. I was also reminded that this is not a hymn I hear sung...

Elizabeth Everts "Betty" Greene was born in Seattle in 1920. Betty and her twin brother, Bill, were the youngest of four children of...

November is a month for remembering. All around us people are wearing poppies, a symbol that we remember the lives of those lost in war....

In the opening words of a number of the letters of St Paul, he addresses the Christian community as the saints and the faithful ones, and...

Be thankful for everything that happens in your life; it’s all an experience.” - Roy T. Bennett The word gratitude is derived from the...

In a day we are all used to being side-tracked, distracted, do a bit of day dreaming, stare into space? etc… When we actually sit down...

An 80-year-old couple was worried because they kept forgetting things all the time. The doctor assured them there was nothing seriously...

Two little boys, ages 8 and 10, are excessively mischievous. They are always getting into trouble and their parents know all about it. If...

An Irishman moved into a tiny hamlet in County Kerry, walked into the local pub, and promptly ordered three beers. The bartender raised...