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

There is a story from the Middle Ages that has always touched my heart. The grown son of a rich merchant was walking down the road...

A monarch of long ago had twin sons. There was some confusion about which one was born first. As they grew to young manhood, the king...

Ø Hope is knowing that a positive outcome awaits. Ø Hope is not only expecting a dream to come true but having a deep assurance that it's...

Please consider . . . For attractive lips, speak words of kindness. For beautiful eyes, look for the good in other people. To lose...

I cannot say OUR if I live only for myself. I Cannot say FATHER if I do not endeavour each day to act like His child. I cannot say WHO...

Don't determine your worth by comparing yourself with others. It is because we are different that each of us is special. Don't set your...

In the midst of a world at war, Eleanor Roosevelt captured the mood at Christmas 1942. "How completely the character of Christmas has...

The young man was at the end of his rope. Seeing no way out, he dropped to his knees in prayer. "Lord, I can't go on," he said. "I have...

A husband was awakened by his wife's concern that she heard a burglar downstairs. He slowly got up, went grumpily downstairs, and found...

Many years ago the Rev. Robert Burris, now 92 years of age, worked for four and one-half years as a missionary in South China. As part of...

Louise Redden, a poorly dressed lady with a look of defeat on her face, walked into a small town grocery store. She approached the owner...

Precious Heavenly Father, Give me patience when little hands tug at me with their many demands. Give me gentle hugging arms to help...

Thomas’s character is outlined in The Gospel According to John. His devotion to Jesus is clearly expressed in John 11:5–16: when Jesus...

Easter seems to be an ideal time to ponder heaven and the glory of the life that never ends. After all, it was on Easter when God pulled...

FINE This is the word women use to end an argument when they feel they are right and you need to shut up. Never use "fine" to describe...

Thou shalt not compare the new pastor and the old pastor, for verily, they are two different people. Thou shalt not say to the new...

Insurance companies often get some interesting stories on claim forms. This is one that is said to be true from Canada about a four-wheel...

The observance of Holy Saturday has been part of the Christian tradition since the early days of the church. The day has its roots in the...

In Holy Week we are struck by the detail of the events of these last few days of Jesus’s life as they come to life for us. On Maundy...

A good woman died and went to Heaven. When she arrived at the Pearly Gates, St. Peter offered to take her on a tour of the facilities. As...