Paul Stutzman wrote as he thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail, “How often we witness a scene of great beauty but don’t comprehend what we see. A beautiful sunset, a bright full moon, brilliant stars on a
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Tag: encouragement
God’s Love Shows Up With Dessert By Linda McDougal
Sharing the good news of the gospel with others isn’t easy, but I find when I visit friends, God’s love always shows up with dessert. Valentine’s Day is complicated – especially if you are a
Read moreA Different Call
Our church and local university maintained a partnership with missionaries to the Ngäbe people of Costa Rica and Panama for several years. We helped with five church plants and made regular trips to provide training,
Read moreHonoring the Past While Stepping into a New Year
And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. ~1 Peter 3:15 NLT I remember the day and the place: July 20, 1969. I was nine years old.
Read moreWhat a Gift!
“Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15 NIV). The Gift of Gathering We had already stuffed ourselves with Mom’s traditional Christmas breakfast. After the family cleared the table and gathered in the
Read moreChristmas Present
It is Christmas every time you let God love others through you. ~ Mother Teresa The Gift Every year (usually), only moments after our family’s Thanksgiving tableware is done drying, the Christmas season is officially
Read moreWhen Time Stood Still
And now, in my old age, don’t set me aside. Don’t abandon me when my strength is failing. ~Psalm 71:9 NLT Ah, the days when time stood still—or, at least, seemed to. I remember the
Read moreFinding True Gratitude Amid Chaos and Blessings
If my gratitude is sincere, it is an act of worship. Songs and prayers of thanks and praise resonate within my soul and rise above the mountaintops, toward heaven . . . Sincere gratitude and
Read moreDare to be Different
We’ve all seen them. We may occasionally be one of them. At church, we act one way. When we exit the sanctuary, we leave our Sunday behavior behind. How easily we slip into such conduct
Read moreAdoption, It’s a Beautiful Thing!
Adoption . . . it’s a beautiful thing. Many of us know people who’ve adopted children into their families. Whether it’s an infant, an older child, or a teen, they immediately become a permanent part
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