Decked halls. Festive parties. Movies full of Christmas miracles. Hope and joy in every heart, right? For many, this season does bring great wonder, renewal and joy. But just as many more are left wondering, Where IS the Merry in Christmas? Many families will face this Christmas with an empty chair at the family gathering, a family…
It’s a simple idea, and a deeply biblical one, woven into the very fabric of the prayer Jesus taught us to pray. “Thy kingdom come.” Praying kingdom come, for God’s will to be done, His kingdom to come…what would that mean? “What would stand and what would fall?” reflects Frederick Buechner. “Who would be welcomed in and who…
An exoneree is defined as one cleared of blame, a captive set free or to be free from a burden. Darryl Burton is an exoneree. He was falsely accused and served 24 years in a tough Missouri State Penitentiary before he was finally cleared and released. It was a long, hard-fought battle, but not nearly as difficult as Darryl’s…
Thanksgiving is a time for food, family gatherings and football. Once everyone is gathered at the table, my husband asks us to share what we’re thankful for. I’m sure many of you do likewise, but from now on, don’t make thanksgiving a once a year occasion. I don’t mean regularly cook a full turkey dinner,…
Living from several suitcases for about 6 weeks has caused me to think a little about what home really means to me. I’m talking about home…where you lay your head to sleep, or where you keep the night light on, or those home fires you tender, where you keep the fireplace embers burning on a cold chilly night. Don’t…
To some degree, we’ve all been there. The late night phone call that changed everything. A doctor’s diagnosis that stopped you dead in your tracks. A casual trip to Dairy Queen that ended with the death of a child. A summer thunderstorm that that spawned a tornado and devastated a community. A school shooting. The earthquake…
Neil Stavem on
To some degree, we’ve all been there. The late night phone call that changed everything. A doctor’s diagnosis that stopped you dead in your tracks. A casual trip to Dairy Queen that ended with the death of a child. A summer thunderstorm that that spawned a tornado and devastated a community. A school shooting. The earthquake…
Neil Stavem on
“Mom, you know what’s gonna be great about heaven?” my daughter asked, eyes hopeful and practically pleading for me to respond. . .so of course I did. “What, honey?” “Well, Mom,” she spoke confidently, with her then 9-year-old wisdom, “We will be satisfied. No one will want anything. It’ll just be Jesus, and us, and everything will…
She asks her hardest questions at bedtime, when we flop open the pages of Scripture atop her flowered quilt. We flip through pages of her Bible, rustling like onion skins between our fingers. We land on the story of David and Goliath, and I read aloud the story of a heroic boy who felled a giant with one smooth stone. In the bluish light…
Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:1-20) One of my son’s favorite games is “Treasure Hunt.” I hide something in the yard or the house and draw out a map for him to find it. X marks the spot where the treasure should be. It is so much fun to watch him run around, count off paces, work through…
Jo Bender on
You'll have a chance to get out and enjoy some family time this Easter season and may even just snap that perfect family picture! The following Churches and Organizations are hosting Easter events this Spring.
Many Christian artists have spoken up about kindness and are determined to encourage its growth instead of its decline. Their messages of kindness speak hope and courage into the hearts of fellow believers.
We're looking for the best spots in the city where you live, you know where everyone goes or hangs out.
