I remember being in the sixth grade. Wow! What a rocky year that was for me personally! Adjusting to middle school was hard, and most days, I wanted no part of it. However, I did have two friends. Our teacher called us the three musketeers. Each of us was struggling in our own way. All…
I have been reading through the Gospel of Mark in my early morning time with Jesus. It’s such a delight to read slowly, savoring the stories of our Savior. In Mark 4:1-20 Jesus tells a story about a sower – a farmer who goes out and plants seeds. Some fell on the path and the…
I am more convinced than ever that one of the ways we can love most effectively is through prayer. Those with whom we have a relationship need prayer. As you intercede for them, not only does the Father hear and answer your prayers, the Holy Spirit bonds your heart more deeply to them. Rest assured,…
Do you ever feel like your faith is a bit fragile and like you need to lean into the faith of your friends? I’m guessing we’ve all felt that way at one time or another. This past week I’ve been enjoying the story found in Luke 5:17-26. Jesus was teaching in a home and many…
What is the key to happiness? When people were asked what made their lives happy and satisfying, one of the leading answers was friendships. However, in our fast-paced society, friendships often go neglected because of busy schedules. In 2008, two professors at Wheaton College conducted a survey of 2,000 students and faculty members on friendships….
Recently, my daughter spent a day in an assisted living facility. The residents were on lockdown because of an illness spreading through the facility. One lady seemed particularly lonely. As Bethany was emptying the trash in her room, she noticed the deep sadness hovering over this dear woman and decided to simply sit on the…