by Grace Fox To say the last year has been challenging is an understatement. The pandemic grounded me and my husband—the director of a mission sending agency—from our usual international ministry travels. It left me unemployed by banning large gatherings, thus canceling my speaking invitations to women’s retreats and conferences. It…
Welcome to the month of hopeless romanticism and hapless heartbreak. The retail world blushes all shades of pink, red, and lavender in an urge to sell us passion in packages. Singles resent the reminders of their isolation. Couples stress over how to avoid disappointing their beloved ones. Moms sigh over…
"Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume;…
We often leave our personal well being as a last priority. Today's video explains why personal goals must take first place in our lives. Without a strong core, surface layers topple like bricks buckling on a house of cards. The demolition harms everyone around us. Personal goals target the wellness of…
Shades of indigo clung to the night's damp air, pooling deep in the stone corners of their dwelling. Mineral scents wafted from the moist earthen floor as James tossed on his straw mat. He pulled his cloak up over his shoulders, drew his limbs in tight against his body, and set his jaw.…
Amber nestled a sand-weighted paper bag against the sidewalk, turning it to align with its sisters. She fished a flameless tealight from her totebag. Her toddler wobbled in an awkward gait on the nearest square of walkway. Amber extended the candle. "Want to turn it on?" With a grin dimpling her…
Today's video discusses the importance of interpersonal heart health. Our relationships with others provide us with the opportunity to actualize our potential as individuals. We need to take care of our interpersonal well being and ensure we maintain healthy relationships. Becoming avoidant, choosing toxic friendships or romantic partners, or demonstrating poor…
Intense pain seized her abdomen. Amber doubled over and staggered backward, knees faltering. Cradling her womb with one hand, she clutched at her neighbor's porch column with the other. She crumpled as horrific cramps shocked her entire core. "Are you okay?" The neighbor caught her before she hit the deck. Arm…
The damp scent of snow tingled at Amber's nose as she waddled across the parking lot. Handbag clutched tight, she hugged it as a shield over the drafty opening of her coat. The buttons no longer met to close over her swollen belly. The drugstore manager yelled out of the door.…
Last week, we began reflecting upon a holiday carol's legend. While the intrigue rumored to influence The Twelve Days of Christmas has been debunked by scholars, we can still benefit from meditating upon the lyrics. Reflecting upon the subject of each stanza as a faith symbol offers us an opportunity to…