“What are you giving up for Lent?” This is a typical question for this time of year.  Some give up sweets; others give up fast food. Some give up soft drinks; others give up social media. Some give up online shopping; others give up meat. We naturally drift toward giving things up for Lent, as […]

These are difficult times for all of us. At no time in many of our memories has a single event touched every person on Earth. And let’s be honest: the gravity of this current crisis can feel overwhelming—especially when even our worship gatherings are canceled. But no matter what circumstances we’re facing, and even if […]

Here we stand at the end of January 2023. Did you make New Year’s Resolutions this year? Do you thrive on making resolutions and sticking to them or do you forget about them a few weeks later? What about your ministry? Did you make goals for the new year? I remember years ago several of […]

Our Prime Directive by Kristy Anyabwile Step aside and let God lead. I go to movies for naps. My family will tell you that I’m the world’s worst for falling asleep in the movie theater. Granted it’s loud, but it’s also dark and the seats recline, and some of my favorite theaters will give you […]

This Child, These Children As we reflect on the Child in a manger, others wait for their forever home. by Stephanie Rodda The holidays often mean gathering with extended family members, as well as friends we don’t often see. Naturally, the subject of family changes will likely be discussed. Marriage status, plans to have children, […]

I am lousy with math. I have trouble counting along with Big Bird. My extended family assumes that is why I married an accountant. I avoid numbers. Consequently, high school algebra frustrated me. I just wanted to know if my answer was right, but instead, the teacher would ask, “So, Lynn, why do you think […]

Family Overboard! Just try to keep afloat. Last spring, Darlene thought it would be great for us to take two of our sons and their girlfriends whitewater rafting. In the voice of a thousand memes: “This will be fun,” she said. Darlene signed us up for the Olympic course because it was cheaper. She went […]

Blessed Assurance Because of God’s expressed love, we can rest in His arms. by COURTNEY DOCTOR DO YOU KNOW WHAT a “trust fall” is? It’s a team-building exercise where one person stands on an elevated platform, crosses her arms across her chest, closes her eyes, and falls backward into the arms of her teammates. Our […]

Be Glad Are you building a legacy of gratitude? by BEN MANDRELL SOMETIMES WE ARE too busy being bitter. An aspiring actress finally catches her break. She wins the coveted award and ascends the stage to receive the trophy. When the microphone goes hot, she goes cold, bashing the critics who said she wouldn’t make […]

Thank God for Thanksgiving Model for your children something basic and profound about being created by Him and for Him. by David Mathis AS A FATHER OF FOUR, ages 11 to four, I feel a sense of awe and gratitude that our generally unbelieving society pauses for a weekday each November formally dedicated to giving […]

FAITH, HOPE … AND LAUGHTER Rachel-Ruth Lotz Wright mines the Billy Graham family memory album for inspiring examples of living out everyday faith. WHAT ADVICE DOES Billy Graham’s granddaughter have for the parents of this generation? Help your kids fall in love with the Lord. “Sharing the gospel is not just for the evangelists and […]