Have you ever made a paper boat? They hold so much promise for about five seconds — until reality (and water) hit. I’ve made choices in life that felt the same way: beautifully folded plans that didn’t seem waterproof once the storms came. When we moved to Ukraine to help start a church, I had …
This has been a tough year. I lost a job in January, and then a second in May, and a third in July. I have filled out more applications than I care to recall, attended interviews, and put in hours making cold calls—all while the debt kept climbing, towering over me like a tsunami about …
“Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the Earth! Serve the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs.”— Psalm 100:1–2 When I was in high school, I took this command to heart. I thought I had a gift for music. In reality, what sounded beautiful to me probably sounded to others more …
We all do it when discussing a certain cold, milky, sweet substance. We might start with a description, when they learn that, then we spell it, but kids learn to spell pretty quickly. We had exhausted all the terminology that could be used for these sweet, milky substances and started referring to them in other …
I try to grow things, but apparently plants need water, sun, and the will to grow under my care. However, mine chose the sweet release of compost instead. Jesus used parables every day to illustrate biblical truths. I have never ceased to be amazed at his ability to tell a simple story that transcends time …
There was a time in my life when I felt like an absolute failure. I was juggling too many responsibilities—work, family, ministry, and commitments I had taken on out of obligation rather than calling. I told myself that if I just worked harder, I could handle it all. But instead of thriving, I was crumbling …
At the beginning of every new year, I spend time with God in prayer and ask Him to give me a word for the year. My one word for the year 2025 is Provide. God wants me to trust him to provide for me and my children no matter what difficulties we may face. He …
Politics with it’s peaks and values leaves me feeling motion sickness but can you imagine living in China during the rise of the Communist red wave? I was acquainted recently with a family who had a huge impact on my life, even though I never met them. Almost exactly one hundred years ago, In August …
I have not set as many new year’s resolutions as I used to. Somewhere in February I get knocked off my game and then spend the next ten months feeling like I have let myself down. If this is you, I have the new year’s resolution for us! “Change your mind” ‘Change your mind’ is …
It’s Christmas Eve, and it’s a quiet morning. For many years, quiet and Christmas didn’t go together. We are in a different season now: it’s quiet, which gives me time to ponder. When the kids were young, there were programs and adventures. We never emphasized getting at Christmas time; we focused more on the giving. …