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…
Guest post by Dena Yohe Over ten years ago, my husband and I started a ministry to brokenhearted parents. A mom whose child almost died sent me an email one day: “As a parent, getting the news that your child is gravely (and perhaps mortally) injured is life altering. I had…
Sandcastles in the Desert Season of Life Deadly viruses and economic struggles have stranded us in a wasteland which seems endless. We hike up one dune of hope for a better tomorrow only to find another sea of bleak, dry circumstances stretching ahead. This season of unrest and suffering has…
Some face relationship issues while others suffer from loneliness. From disappointments to frustration or even anger, this week's circumstances could rattle your heart. In fact, any given time of year can present us with a torrent of emotions. We can rise on a wave of happiness with high expectations and…
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…
January has three weeks bulging under her belt. Many of this month's early-date fans now resent her as much as their own waistlines. Unlike the fickle masses, statistics maintain a consistent view of January. She reflects human nature's tendency to launch with the boldest of aspirations only to crash into…
I struggled with motivation at the onset of the New Year. My attempts to launch the year by setting goals or resolutions sputtered. No word for the year came to me, despite regular prayer and meditation. Instead, the questions of "Why?" and "Will my efforts even matter?" needled my thoughts. I…
Christmas arrives in less than a week. In homes where we've been intense pain, our childlike hearts look forward to shared joys and enchanting moments we will remember in coming years. We also prepare to exchange gifts with those we love. For some, the sorrows of loss and suffering darken…
"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light" (1 Peter 2:9). Who doesn't love the scents of this season? From balsam fir to peppermint, I…
Ever contemplate the gifts of Christ when you admire a creche? Nativity scenes often imply three wise men visited the newborn Savior on the first Christmas. Scholars believe the visit might have occurred a bit later than the night of Jesus' birth and no specific number of magi are mentioned in…