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 …
Music. When I was four years old, I came home from my aunt and uncle’s wedding and played “Here Comes the Bride” on the piano by ear. My parents put me in music lessons. That was my introduction to music. We were a musical family. All six of us kids knew music, and I …
“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 …
A child is sick, pray. You need a new job, pray. You want to praise God, pray. Thankful for a good meal, pray. As a Christian, prayer should be an enormous and constant part of our lives. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 reminds us to pray without ceasing. In other words, to pray persistently, without giving up. …
As we journey through this spring season, noticing the newness and growth brought by God in our surroundings, I reflect on the Spirit’s fruit—faithfulness from Galatians 5:22-23. Paul’s use of the term “fruit” here illustrates what naturally flows from our lives when the Spirit is at work. Like a tree produces an apple packed with …
The footprints of Katie’s life began on a cold blustery night because well, I made my debut upon the planet in Oregon and it was always cold and blustery. When I was nine years old those footprints were traced to Taiwan. I believe God works in the hearts of our children despite all we …
Sharpen your pencils parents because a new school year has just begun! How do you feel at the beginning of a new school year? Maybe you’re a homeschool mom who feels overwhelmed by the to-do list or maybe you’re feeling anxious as you send your child to a new school with unfamiliar teachers and peers. …