relationships

God’s Best Creation, the Family, is in Crisis

May 21, 2020 Norma Gail Fire Starters, inspire a fire, Relationships, Relationships

by Norma Gail God’s best creation is the family unit. It was the only time God called his creation very good. Yet families are in crisis. Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and

A long line of strong women

May 20, 2020 Janet Morris Grimes Fire Starters, inspire a fire, parenting, Relationships, Relationships

I find myself perched in the perfect spot on the timeline of my life. I can finally let go of any perceived letdowns or guilt of the past, and fully embrace the future with whatever energy I can muster up. I’m well past the midpoint, I’m sure.

FAmily – Parent first, Friend Second

May 19, 2020 Kim Harms Fire Starters, Relationships

I had a friend years ago whose relationship with her mother was strained. They talked regularly. And though they honestly loved each other, it was not uncommon for their conversations to end in utter frustration.

Equipped

May 18, 2020 Sarah Lynn Phillips Family, Fire Starters, inspire a fire, Prayer, Relationships, Single, Trust

I trudged along, soggy tissues wadded up in my pocket and tears in my eyes. An early morning walk to the cemetery marked the one year anniversary of my husband’s untimely death. At only fifty-eight,

Another Child

May 16, 2020 Michelle Heed Faith, Fire Starters, Missions, Relationships

As missionaries living in Tanzania, my husband and I have prayed diligently for another child. Our prayers have been full of bittersweet moments, and we often felt as if the Lord forgot to answer. Then

surviving or thriving on a socially distant mother’s day

May 9, 2020 Joann Claypoole Blog, Culture, Devotions, Faith, Family, Featured, Fire Starters, Greatfulness, hope, Hope for tomorrow, Inspiration, inspire a fire, Joann Claypoole, Love, Mom, parenting, Prayer, Relationships, Thankfulness, Trust

A socially distant Mother’s Day? While on a recent video meeting, I found myself reminiscing with one of my sons about the Mother’s Day gardens we sowed, games we played, and the stories we shared.

Family. How Do You Define it?

May 5, 2020 Sandy Kirby Quandt Family, Fire Starters, Relationships

Look around. It might surprise you how God can use you as a fill-in family member to someone who desperately needs one.

Peace In uncertain times

April 10, 2020 Joann Claypoole Blog, Culture, Devotions, Faith, Family, Featured, Fire Starters, God's Glory, hope, Hope for tomorrow, Inspiration, inspire a fire, Joann Claypoole, Prayer, Relationships, Relationships, Thankfulness

A time for everything? We’re told these are uncertain times. What about yesterday, last year, or twenty years from now? Who knows what tomorrow will bring? Isn’t any time an uncertain time? As we pray

Listen with your eyes

March 27, 2020 Diana Derringer Fire Starters, Relationships

“Listen to me, Mom!” “I am listening, honey.” “No, you’re not.” “Yes, I am. I’ve heard every word you said.” “But, Mom, I need you to listen with your eyes. Mom then sets aside her

Be Gentle

March 25, 2020 Debbie Hardy America, Culture, Family, Fire Starters, Focus on the good, hope, Inspiration, Intimacy, Love, parenting, Relationships, Relationships

Now that we are all (or almost all) hunkered down to protect ourselves and each other from the pandemic, let’s rethink our relationships. And what do our relationships there look like? Most of our personal