Tasting the fruit
A few years ago, Activated published a special series on what Paul in his letter to the Galatians called the fruit of the Spirit. [[See Galatians 5:22–23.]] One issue was... »
Personal Accounts
The power of a peach
When I was eight years old, my family and I watched a BBC documentary featuring a group of British WW2 veterans who had fought in North Africa. Throughout the film, the v... »
Like the flowers
I was sitting in a friend’s living room when I noticed some crimson red flowers in a vase on the coffee table. I was almost spellbound by their loveliness, and as I gazed... »
The seasons of life
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” [[Ecclesiastes 3:1 NIV]] This is a big life lesson. It is really good news … and not... »
Fruity lessons
I was recently fascinated to read how scientists learned how to make more effective waterproof products such as raincoats and airplane parts by studying the ridges on but... »
Birthday mango
My son Jonathan was born in a small Indian village, during the time my husband and I were serving there as volunteers. Like many Indian kids, he grew up eating rice, dahl... »
A meaningful life
My grandmother wasn't a career woman. In fact, she only held a job for six years in her entire life. When she got married, she and my grandfather couldn’t afford for both... »
Meanings and purposes
For as long as I can remember, I’ve felt strongly that I needed a purpose, a “mission,” a life plan. It’s both part of my natural personality type and how I was brought u... »
The hiding place
When I was born, only a few years after WW2, Holland was still getting back on its feet, and the aftermath of the war and occupation was still visible. I grew up hearing... »
From mundane to marvelous
One of my favorite novels is C. S. Lewis’s The Horse and His Boy, one of the seven books in The Chronicles of Narnia series. The heroine, Aravis, is a princess trying to... »