by Judith Roberts “. . . for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and […]
by Emily Heitzman It is really hard to be a preteen or teenager today. I unfortunately know this because as a pastor who works with youth, I have seen this firsthand. I’m not saying that it wasn’t difficult to be that age. I received my fair share of unrealistic and unhealthy messages about society’s definition […]
by Angela T. Khabeb My husband and I are expecting our fourth child. We have one daughter in heaven, two sons at home, and one daughter on the way. When we first brought our son, Konami, home from the hospital, we were honored to have such a precious gift. When we brought home our second […]
by Susan Schneider And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. (Luke 2:7) Growing up as a child of missionaries in the Philippines, Christmas trees were uncommon. We did not decorate a […]
by Julia Seymour An advertisement from a cosmetics company went viral on television and on the Internet a few years ago. In the commercial, women described themselves to a forensic artist who could not see them. He made a second sketch based on a description from a stranger who encountered the woman in the waiting […]
by Rebeckah Selnick We ask little children what they want to be when they grow up. Even when the answer is “a princess” or “a cowboy,” this innocent question can set a precedent for a lifetime. As students, we take aptitude tests. We choose course work to set a track to the future. We look […]
by Laura Gentry I don’t give things up for Lent. Instead, I add something. After all, Lent is not just about fasting; it’s about feasting. The whole reason for giving up something is to make more room for God in our lives — so that we can feast on God’s mercy. Adding a spiritual discipline, […]
by Sarah Scherschligt Then Jesus called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases. And he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal. He said to them, ‘Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money — […]
by Angie Shannon During my grade-school years, the bulletin boards were covered with red cupid silhouettes announcing Valentine’s Day. I took great care in selecting boxed Valentines for my classmates, addressing each tiny envelope in anticipation of the big day. In retrospect, it occurs to me that we had the kind of parents and teachers […]
by Emily Davila When I was a kid, my mom would put Valentine’s Day presents on the breakfast table before we left for school. We might get a little Whitman’s candy sampler and some lip gloss, or perhaps something unrelated, like a pair of socks or a plastic lizard. Now, as an adult, I’m still […]