The church I attend recently celebrated the 120th anniversary of its founding. At the commemorative luncheon after the anniversary worship service, members gave speeches. Children spoke about their vision for the...

The constant hum of my refrigerator had become such familiar background noise that I barely noticed it. But then during a power outage, the sudden silence felt deafening. As I sat...

I like to collect empty jars that I put to good use. I fill some with liquid hand soap that I make myself. One jar stores my collection of buttons —...

My wife and I have retired to a home in the mountains that is surrounded by large rhododendron shrubs. In the spring, these shrubs are covered with colorful clusters of pink...

Worries raced inside my mind, and though I wanted to pray, I was unsure of what to say. I decided to search for music to relax my mind and help me...

My friend and neighbor was in the hospital for what could have been a relatively simple procedure to improve the efficiency of his heart. However, if the procedure failed, he would...

Life’s challenges can be overwhelming, but Jesus’ joy is always available to us and does not depend on our circumstances. In John 15:11 Jesus said, “I have said these things to...

I’ve always been a big girl and felt pressure internally and externally to be a small girl. I started my first diet at age thirteen. I exercised strenuously and severely limited...

I had volunteered at a church event to distribute food and help clean up. Initially this felt like an insignificant job, and I was reluctant. My friends were on stage leading...

Although my mother worked full-time and we had few material possessions as a family, she was always generous with her time and helped those in need — without expecting to be...