Twists, surprises, and reversals make for great stories, but in life, they can leave us feeling blindsided. When my son’s school told me he could no longer attend, I thought I’d failed as a mother. This surprise twist chopped me down at the knees. Typically, when trials come, my husband sets things in perspective, but…
A Cup of Water
Miracles Still Happen by Izzy James
But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. ~ Hebrews 11:6 My husband and I are moving from the house where we raised our children. We’ve lived here for twenty-two…
5 Ways to Handle Stress
Stress is a part of life. But it doesn’t have to rule your life. Here are five ways to handle your stress and thrive through it. Confess Sin 1 John 1:9 says that if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. Confessing…
Unanswered Prayer: A Call to Relationship by Mary Hamilton
Remember when computers took time to boot up? When you had to dial up and wait for a connection? Better yet, remember when getting a busy signal on the phone meant you had to wait and call again later? No voice mail or answering machines back then. Our push-button, instant gratification culture has destroyed our…
I Have Control Issues by Linda Shenton Matchett
I have control issues. Major control issues. I like my world well-planned and orderly. Unlike my husband who is fluid and flexible in his mindset, I don’t change gears quickly. A line in the movie Captain Ron that makes me laugh whenever I see the film (sheepishly because it hits too close to home) is…
Persevere in the Hard Times by Terri Wangard
The past couple years have been contentious, filled with political rancor and a worldwide pandemic. However, it’s nothing new. As Solomon tells us in Ecclesiastes 1:9, What has been, it is what will be, And what has been done, it is what will be done. So there is nothing new under the sun. During World…
How Do You See Yourself? by Ane Mulligan
How do you see yourself? Do you constantly compare yourself to other women? Do you strive to be super-mom, super-wife, super-employee, super-boss? Do you come up short? If you’re like most women—and like me—you have an image of yourself that is, at the least, inaccurate or a downright lie. Instead of seeing ourselves as God…
A Beam of Light Between You and the Source by Mary L. Hamilton
Remember summer camp as a kid? Whether it was scout camp, band camp, sports camp, or church camp, you probably remember warm days in the sun, a cool swim in a lake or pool, new friendships, and maybe a few cabin pranks along with whispers and giggles in the dark long after lights out. And…
You Have Bilateral Brain Tumors by Lillian Duncan
“You have bilateral brain tumors.” The day the doctor told me that was the beginning of a new phase in my life. I had no idea how much my life would change when I was given the diagnosis in 2012. I have a genetic condition called Neurofibromatosis Type 2. It’s an extremely rare disease that…
Deck the Soul with Boughs of Forgiveness by MaryAnn Diorio, PhD, MFA
(AUTHOR’S NOTE: I originally wrote this article one Christmas, but I believe it applies throughout the year.) CHRISTMAS! The word evokes many feelings, depending on our experiences. For some, Christmas is a happy time, filled with beautiful memories and joyful expectations. For others, Christmas is a depressing time, a season one wants “to get over…