Cast a wide net
I love doing something kind when it really hits the spot. I will spend hours finding the perfect birthday gift to give a friend, or the exact right thing to say in a text... »
Marie Alvero
The widow of Zarephath
The Bible records many passages on generosity. It’s an important trait of the Christian life, and as followers of Jesus, we are called to be generous, joyful givers. But... »
Rough seas
There’s a peace I’ve come to know Though my heart and flesh may fail There’s an anchor for my soul I can say “It is well” I sang these words over and over, hoping that th... »
What I know now
I am a mom of four teenagers and young adults. I look back over the past 20-plus years of pregnancy, babies, toddlers, kids, messes, trips, packing, school, planning, fee... »
Forgiveness first
Mark’s gospel tells us about a paralyzed man who Jesus healed. Jesus was teaching in a room so crowded that the man’s friends had to make a hole in the roof and lower him... »
True justice
True justice starts with one truth: every human is made in the image of God. That is what gives us worth. This equalizes us across all the divides of race, gender, abilit... »
Marriage is hard
Valentine’s Day is coming up and I’m browsing the card aisle looking for the right card to give my husband on this, our 20th Valentine’s Day together. I’m looking for the... »
A living sacrifice
“Dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find... »
Advent ideas
I love the idea of Advent, though I admit that I’m not too great at observing it. It comes at the busiest time of the year when I’m rushing to meet year-end goals and dea... »
Two secrets
Everyone has an idea of what peace and contentment look like to them. I think of green rolling hills and a cottage in the woods with a beautiful garden. I think of spendi... »
Overcoming today
I spent a lot of my youth traveling on public transport. The buses in Poland were often so crowded that you could literally be held up by the crowd without putting any we... »
