By Mary Tatem Tiny footprints. Waffle soles of sporting shoes. Delicate three-pronged bird tracks. What an interesting variety of footprints I saw in the sand on my early-morning walk down the beach.
Category: Encouragement
This is our archive pageLIGHTWEIGHT PROBLEMS IN PERSPECTIVE
LIGHTWEIGHT PROBLEMS IN PERSPECTIVE by Jeanne Gowen Dennis Losing Weight at Last For thirty years, I complained that I couldn’t lose weight. “Eat less. Exercise more,” people said. It never worked. Then suddenly last fall, the inches started coming off. I can only attribute it to cutting out gluten and other foods that disagree with me. Getting more sleep. Drinking more water. And possibly spending a month in Southeast Asia. There I fell in love with fresh vegetables. Vegetables with small amounts of meat for breakfast. And for lunch. And for dinner. I walked almost everywhere I went. Keeping It…
Your Words Matter
Your Words Matter by MaryAnn Diorio, PhD “I believed, and therefore I have spoken . . . .” (2 Corinthians 4: 13) If you want to know what you believe, listen to what you say. Your words reveal what is in your heart, for the Word of God says that “out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12: 34). God created the entire universe with words. Made in His image, we create our personal universe with our words. So, what words are you speaking? For the next 24 hours, listen closely to what you are…
Who is a Hero?
Who is a Hero? by Darlene Franklin Who is a hero? What makes a hero? I never saw myself in that light until I faced my own hero’s challenge. I had to battle back from a month-long hospitalization. I had never fully recovered from the crippling weakness and arthritis which had led to my moving to a nursing home. On my first day of therapy, my physical therapist worked with my lower extremities and core strength. The occupational therapist focused on “activities of daily living.” Could I raise my arms enough to brush my hair? Dress myself? We had a hundred…
Plot Twists and Adventures
Plot Twists and Adventures by Mary L. Hamilton When the unexpected happens in a story, we call it a plot twist. In life, it’s sometimes called an adventure. My husband’s retirement meant a chance to move from the big city to a smaller town, with a lake to satisfy me, and a university to satisfy him. But initially, our move wasn’t the sort of adventure I’d envisioned. Thinking it wise to rent until we decided what part of town we wanted to buy into, we arrived at our temporary quarters on a cold January day. Mind you, this was Texas, not…
Especially for You: Unexpected Blessings from God
Especially for You: Unexpected Blessings from God by Lena Nelson Dooley My latest novel, A Heart’s Gift, became a finalist in the Faith, Hope, and Love Readers Choice Award in the Long Historical category. I had entered that contest, formerly the Inspirational Christian Readers Choice award, several times, but I never finaled before. I praised the Lord for giving me this special gift. Anytime I win an award, I know it comes from Him. I didn’t expect to win, because the other two books finalists were from Bethany Publishing. Most Christian fiction writers want to be published by Bethany. And…
Disaster Overload
By Dianne Barker I love a picnic! I approach most days with the same excitement and expectation, as if loading my picnic basket for a fun adventure. Before the day’s over, I’ve encountered a disaster…or several. The washer floods our basement. A hit-and-run driver bumps my parked car. Stuff to deal with.
You’re Never Alone
You’re Never Alone by Vickie McDonough Before I became a published author, if I got the chance to meet one of my favorite authors face-to-face, I would literally shake. It happened more than once. I can’t tell you why. What I’ve learned—and should have known all along—is that authors are just regular people. Yes, we worked hard and may be more creative than someone else, but we’re normal folk. Surprise My husband and I raised four sons, and are now enjoying a granddaughter. My life didn’t change much after getting published, except that I worked longer hours than I’d ever…
The Sky Speaks
The Sky Speaks By Crystal Bowman When I was growing up in West Michigan, summer was my favorite season of the year. I was never a fan of cold weather, and in Michigan we’d get a lot of that! I loved the warm summer days when I could play outdoors with my neighborhood friends, running through the sprinklers and eating popsicles.
Express Line Prayers
Express Line Prayer By Darlene Franklin Waking up early is one thing. Waking up for a date with a needle is another. “Good morning!” A cheerful, African-accented voice called out. “I’m here to draw your blood.” I placed my right arm on top of the blankets and closed my eyes so I didn’t have to watch. Needle sticks often took three attempts or more. My hands and arms stayed black and blue from broken blood vessels. I prayed that somehow, this time would go more easily. Imagine my surprise when I peeked and saw a vial filling with my blood….
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