Everyone goes through difficult times, and most people appreciate encouragement when they are going through hard times. Merriam-Webster’s definition of encouragement: to make someone more hopeful, determined and confident. To inspire with courage, spirit, or hope. You may never know how your words can lift someone out of despair or ...

The term “man-made” has taken a turn for the worst. Men are not only making useful items such as cars and toasters anymore, but they are taking drug-making to a deadly level. Synthetic drugs are becoming the new norm, but it’s actually doing more harm than good—especially one known as ...

Traffic that won’t budge when you’re already running late. A co-worker that is rude and demanding when you haven’t yet had your coffee. A computer that keeps crashing when the report was due yesterday. Think for a minute about the many things that we experience on any given day that ...

As I sit outside this morning feeling the crisp fall air, I am reminded to bask in God’s goodness. Last week like so many other weeks was hectic, and I rarely stopped to just enjoy God’s blessings. Earlier on my jog today I noticed the stunning sun rising and a ...

Our guest speaker, the Rev. Jimmie Bratcher, shared a moving story today at church that blessed my heart.  It focused on “giving your gift.”  His message was based on Proverbs 18:16 and offered the original definition of “gift”: that which you presently have to give away. I share the story ...

Jesus made it very clear that a tree is known by its fruit. He says in Matthew chapter 7:  “A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit.”  Now He was specifically speaking of false prophets in this passage. However, it is also true ...

In yesterday’s article, I brought up the topic of quality time and how the culture we live in seems to distract and justify the limited amount of quality time we spend with our kiddos. Before I continue with the additional distractions I faced, I want to clarify the difference between ...

She has captured the hearts and minds of readers for decades. Francine Rivers, the author of more than 20 Christian fiction novels, received the Lifetime Achievement Award on September 19 at the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) Awards Gala. “Few people have had the kind of impact that Francine Rivers ...

I have often asked myself why I believe, why I have faith in Jesus Christ. What is it that makes me believe and why? I’ve read the Scriptures and a lot of theology. I’ve spent many hours over the years wrestling with the deepest questions and looking into the mysteries ...

One of my epic failures in motherhood has been to successfully teach my youngest to ride her bike. I guess I should clarify. The concept has been grasped, it is the execution she finds daunting. She gets the whole idea of pedaling; it is just controlling the bike that is an issue. ...