Few of us in the first world culture starve ourselves of regular meals. Feeding our cravings has evolved into an art form. If we allow ourselves to experience a lapse between indulgences, Americans address physical pangs of hunger and thirst with religious urgency. Modern media now offers more priority to nurturing…
As we turn the calendar page to enter the Christmas season, many of us search for stories to help us embark upon the holidays in meaningful ways. Others may seek beautifully crafted tales set in beautiful settings into which we may escape and enjoy a delightful read. I've found a literary…
Go, Courageously! by LaTan Roland Murphy While writing Courageous Women of The Bible, I realized more than ever before my own need for daily courage. Courage doesn’t drop into your lap one day announcing: I’m here, all is well! Instead, courage comes as we choose to live courageously—standing strong, pressing into…
Guest Post by Best-Selling Author Michelle Medlock Adams “The more you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” Dr. Seuss Reading is such a wonderful escape, isn’t it? I remember when I was a little girl, I would curl up…
Did you know pregnancy actually alters a woman’s brain, changing the size and structure of areas involved in emotional attachment to their young? A recent Nature Neuroscience study found that motherly nurturing skills – like perceiving the feelings and perspectives of others – are enhanced in pregnancy and continue for at least two…
The previous post introduced our new series on reading for well-being. Today we'll explore various facets of reading for spiritual growth. Since our holistic health stems from the soul, we stand to gain comprehensive benefits from reading this vital genre. Spirituality covers a broad range of topics. Wandering through bookstore aisles…
Have you checked your courage level lately? Anxiety-mongering news stories swirl like impending hurricanes on our horizons. Expectations for women thunder overhead. In these worrisome times, we gals often feel more inclined to cower under our quilts rather than stand on our purposes. For those low on morale, an invitation…
Am I alone in my hunger for grace, or could you use a bit more, too? Tightrope walkers, slave rescuers, and martyrs amaze me. The trained and heroic few demonstrate courageous serenity under inconceivable pressure. Such strength seems reserved for an elite class. Could the awesome gifts of grace remain beyond…
Independence Day marks the ultimate celebration of Americana. Countrymen rejoice over freedom together with simple pleasures topped with fireworks. Laughter spangles countless backyards and parks, where families and neighbors gather around tables laden with pie, chips, and homemade slaw. Steaming platters of fresh-grilled burgers and dogs fill the air with the…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DmhWGu_IZHE Many of us dream of living with purpose and meaning. Books can inspire and guide us toward optimizing our gifts and talents toward a fulfilling life. Let's dive into these recent works by two of my favorite authors. First, read Chase the Lion by Mark Batterson to identify your divine…