Doing what I can
Each month I try to reflect on what I have been able to accomplish in my mission work and personal life. This month has had some trying moments and a few disappointments... »
Personal Accounts
Vanessa’s angels
The sun was slipping below the horizon as I drove up the narrow two-lane road in central Mexico. I glanced at my wife, Amber, sleeping next to me. In the rearview mirror,... »
Kindness begets kindness
Consideration and courtesy never go out of style. We can’t underestimate the power behind a simple act of thoughtfulness. The other day, my wife and I went out for lunch... »
11 ways to say “I love you”
If you’re looking for ways to make those you love feel special and appreciated, here are a few ideas to get you started. Put it into words. Those three little words—“I lo... »
The good place
In my high school literature class, we studied Jean-Paul Sartre’s play No Exit, in which hell’s occupants are confined to a room and have nothing to do but engage in frui... »
Biodegradable?—or upgradable?
Death is part of the life cycle, not the end of life. This is evident throughout nature, but perhaps nowhere more clearly than in the example that Jesus gave His disciple... »
All things to all people
The Bible tells us, “Do not be shaped by this world.”[[Romans 12:2 NCV]] It also tells us to “become all things to all people.”[[1 Corinthians 9:22 ESV]] At first glance,... »
Motivating rewards
“We have to pay for school lunches this year,” my daughter informed me after the first day of school. I already knew this. During the previous school year, the school dis... »
No fear in love
How envious I was of the people who could! Not only strong men and women, but even children and the elderly seemed to enjoy it so much and feel so at ease in it, whereas... »
The reward of joy
The pages of history and fiction are populated by the labors, sacrifices, and heroic deeds of countless men and women who were rewarded in a variety of ways, ranging from... »
The eyewitness
—An account of Jesus’ arrest as told by the high priest’s servant, Malchus The past 24 hours have been disturbing, terrifying, wonderful. It started with an order from Ca... »
We know the ending
I’m the gal who likes to read the last page of the book. I like to know the ending before I commit to reading the entire story. I enjoy looking up spoilers while watching... »
The gift of faith
Recently, while I was waiting for my appointment in the lounge of a local business, I watched a large screen displaying the company’s products. Each one was given a “befo... »