‘Yet He often withdrew to deserted places and prayed.’ Luke 5:16 (HCSB) Deserted places.  Sound ominous, don’t they? But are they always a ‘bad thing’? Jesus knew the value of being alone.  Never completely alone, but alone with His Father.  Even though Jesus was God, He also was a man. ...

Winter is coming to Iowa soon. I feel it with the first fallings of snowflakes as they dance and glide past my windshield preparing my mind for the next phase of the changing seasons. The bundling up of the kiddos, hats, mittens, scarves, boots, and the all-inventive snow pants. Finding ...

Battling weight issues has taught me much over the years.  Made in the image of God, we human beings have three parts as well:  body, soul and spirit.  For health, all of those parts must work together.  Weight and health are body issues that have helped me delve down to ...

Dr. Seuss inspired wedding vows with a lighter side to traditional words promised at the altar. In part, they state the following: Will you love through good and bad? Whether you’re happy or sad? Will you love each other if you’re rich? Or if you’re poor, and in a ditch? ...

The problem with Christian entertainment in general, but movies specifically, is how Christians are portrayed, not only in secular offerings, but also in Christian ones.  In secular movies, Christians are often portrayed as a caricature, like the so-called “holy roller.”  These characters include the effeminate male or the hysterical antics ...

If one thinks that homosexuality is something people are born with, this story will change that perspective. The last name of this person was left off in the article from which this account is taken to avoid backlash from the gay community. I am going to leave her name out ...

“I wanna do it myself.”  “I can do it.”  I bet you’ve heard these typical toddler responses.  They’re learning.  Gaining the necessary motor skills and internalizing the how’s, why’s and wherefore’s of new experiences is important.  As parents and teachers, we enthusiastically applaud their achievements.  We proclaim our great pleasure ...

In the spiritual battle that we face as believers, God has given us armor to protect us and weapons to fight with. Since the battle is spiritual, so are the weapons. I wrote previously how the Word of God is like a sword that we can wield against the temptations ...

The Old Testament records a time when three men were cast into a furnace of fire. Daniel 3:21 says, “Then these three men were tied up in their trousers, their coats, their caps, and their other clothes, and were cast into the midst of the furnace of blazing fire.” The ...

For we walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7 (KJV) Nik Wallenda knows what it feels like to walk a tightrope 1500 feet above solid ground. He’s felt the 45 mph winds that threaten his balance, and the birds that fly in for a closer look. This seventh-generation ...