Back to basics
I was standing in the checkout line at one of our local stores and noticed the lady ahead of me was wearing a brightly colored T-shirt with a Bible verse on it. Then when... »
Personal Accounts
A temperamental garden
My small elementary school had the most amazing gardener we all called “Uncle Silas.” He could make one of those “picture-book gardens” with tomatoes, beans, cabbage, and... »
My career coach
When I graduated from college, I had my heart set on becoming a professional full-time translator. For four years, I’d devoted every bit of spare time to studying my lang... »
The making of a violin
One morning, I walked into my music teacher’s classroom to start my violin lesson and noticed two violins on the desk. My eye was immediately drawn to the first one, whic... »
The baby in the other incubator
Charity, an Activated reader for many years, had a well-paying job in the banking industry. She had recently finished her second master’s degree from a prestigious intern... »
Getting to know Jesus
In my quest to know Jesus better, I have come to the simple conclusion that reading the Gospels regularly and trying to put His teachings and example into practice is the... »
Open doors
A few months ago, I started to teach “English through the Bible” classes to a small group of teenagers. It’s not always easy, and it demands time for preparation, but it’... »
Nilda’s hospitality
About six years ago we moved to a new neighborhood. Since arriving, we’ve tried to be friendly with our neighbors and show kindness. We greet them with a smile, ask how t... »
God in skin
I read once that a good father prepares us for our relationship with our heavenly Father, God. My father may not realize it, but one thing that shaped my life was a conve... »
Dinner date
After 21 years of marriage, I discovered a new way of keeping the spark of love alive. A little while ago I went out with another woman. It was really my wife’s idea. “I... »
A good start
Clark and Mary were in love. Clark proposed marriage, and Mary accepted. But it wasn’t as simple as that. Clark knew that to have a happy and harmonious marriage, he need... »
“He expected it of me”
There is a story about two brothers who enlisted in the army during World War I and were assigned to the same unit. They were soon sent to the frontline trenches. In WWI... »
Love, actually
Every year, at Christmastime, my husband has to endure my private tradition of watching Love, Actually.[[Richard Curtis. Universal Pictures, 2003.]] The movie weaves toge... »