By Lynda Kelly “Should we take grandma an umbrella?” my daughter asked. A crack of thunder split the sky. Within seconds, rain poured down—the kind of desert storm that turns streets into rivers. I hesitated. It was late. The logical part of me offered every excuse to stay dry and safe at home. Mama only […]
The Transformative Power of Love: A Story of Umbrellas and Grace Read More »
By Maureen Miller I scan my yard. Drat! Too many weeds! Bending, I take hold and yank. But rather than pulling out a single strand of green, the tug reveals more than I could see. The plant didn’t break away from its roots. Instead, the intricate underground system comes up with the weed. I pull
Connection: The Root System for a Fruitful Christian Life Read More »
By Dr. Billy Ready, Jr. The froth-formed heart in my latte had long since dissolved as I absently stirred the cooling drink. Across the worn wooden table of the coffee shop, my friend shared the raw details of his wife’s unfaithfulness. His voice cracked with emotion. The gentle buzz of my phone felt like a
Listening Well, Loving Well Read More »
By Joanna Eccles Years ago, a close family member got sick, and we didn’t know if he would survive. He went to countless hospitals and kept getting worse. I lived far away and felt helpless. I flew six times over six months to help, but it never seemed like it was enough. I could’ve hidden
Self-Sufficiency Is Overrated: How to Ask for Help When Life Falls Apart Read More »
By Jana Carlson When my oldest daughter was engaged, I set aside my normal routine and dove into wedding planning. The joyous celebration of this matrimony deserved the best I had to give. My days quickly filled with attending wedding dress fittings, hosting guests, offering a shoulder to cry on at unexpected moments, and rescheduling
How to Love People Well: 4 Biblical Truths to Love Like Jesus Read More »
Article by: Sarah Koontz, Founder of Living by Design Ministries Recently, I resolved to curb my nasty habit of offering unsolicited advice. Unfortunately, I’ve got decades of experience giving unwanted advice, so it wasn’t easy to wean myself off. If you have a problem, I have a solution. It’s how my brain works. I know
A Biblical 5-Step Process for Giving Advice Read More »
By Amanda Bridle I recently confessed to a friend that I was in a dark place. Something I felt God called me to wasn’t going as I expected. In fact, if you looked at the results of my efforts from a worldly perspective, you might even categorize it as a failure. I admitted I had
Use Your Words: Sharing God’s Love Through the Ministry of Mail Read More »
By Nichole J Suvar It’s a typical Thursday. I have errands to run, kids to pick up from practice, work to do for my 9-5 job, and dinner to get on the table. My face appears calm as I move from one task to another. It looks like I have it all under control. But
How to Help a Christian Friend Who is Living with an Anxiety Disorder Read More »
By Annie Yorty “Please reconsider!” I implored my friend. Bent on divorce, she paced and shook her head. I persisted until she settled down and talked through her reasons. I knew firsthand the devastation her children would experience if she followed through with her plan. I grew up in a strife-filled home with parents who
Four Strategies to Help You Become a Peacemaker Read More »
By Susan Cort Johnson Although my siblings and I were raised in the same home, we have different ways of approaching life. Despite our differences, there wouldn’t be much strife if interactions were limited to an occasional family gathering or Facetime connections for quick chats. But in this season of our lives, we oversee the
Is it Possible to Live at Peace with Everyone? Read More »
