I was having bad dreams...

If you’ve ever dealt with grief, you’re likely familiar with the phrase “it comes in waves.” One moment you’re smiling as a memory crosses your mind, and in the next moment tears flow uncontrollably when “that” song plays on the radio.

“Pandemic” was a word I rarely considered until three years ago when Covid swept across our planet and struck fear in human hearts from coast to coast. Many of us have similar stories - travel stopped, businesses closed, lives were lost, and others completely turned upside down.

“The keenest revelation of a society’s soul is found in how it cares for its children.” – Nelson Mandela

There are few things in life that I wish for more than a bright future for my children. Yes, I want them to be successful in whatever career or ministry God calls them to. Of course, I want them to experience the joy that comes from raising a family of their own. Sure, I would even love to leave them a nice inheritance, have their college aspirations fully funded, and keep them from experiencing many of the learning pains I had as a young adult.

It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year! And often the hardest time of year to stick with healthy lifestyle habits too. Many people with weight loss goals ask themselves this key question: Should I pause my weight loss efforts during the holiday season and just pick it back up in January?

As children of God, we each possess a unique blend of gifts and talents. While we are born with specific spiritual gifts and natural abilities, we also acquire more skills as we learn, practice, and have new experiences.

The Importance of Context I’m terrible at remembering the address (chapter and verse) of any particular line of Scripture. That leads me, more often than I’d like to admit, over to Google where I search the key words of the verse to get the verse’s accurate wording and address. For this topic, I wanted to begin by quoting a verse that went something like, “As much as it is up to you, live at peace with all men”.