I remember when I got sheepskin winter boots in middle school. That might not seem significant, but they weren’t just any winter boots. Everyone at school seemed to have them. When you got them, it was like you joined a club. My mom knew how badly I wanted a pair of these boots, and she [...]

If you have ever watched a baby sleep in the arms of an adult, you might have an idea what peace looks like. If that baby starts to squirm, if they start to get uncomfortable, the one holding them adjusts their position—or the baby's— and the baby settles down again. Even when that child is [...]

Have you ever been to a candle shop or watched people make candles? There are so many variations in candles! It seems like the possibilities are almost limitless. Differences in size, shape, color, design, fragrance, intended use, rate of burn—all these contribute to the huge variety in candles. But there is at least one thing [...]

Do you ever have those days when you try to pray, but it seems like God just isn't listening? What can we do when those moments come? We might be tempted to give up in despair, or we can choose to push through and keep seeking. I encourage you: be a seeker! God's Word has [...]

As you get older, the problems in your life can seem to get bigger and scarier. When you were younger, there might have been someone who would take on your struggles for you, but now you have to face more of these challenges without help from others. Yet, God is still in control, even when [...]

I was young when my grandmother passed away. I loved her, and she loved and cherished me. We had good times together. I valued being with her. She accepted me for who I really was. She cared for me. She was the best grandmother to me. When she passed, I was in deep sorrow. I [...]

Abraham is known for his obedience, faith, and trust in God. When God called Abraham (or Abram) to leave his homeland, he obeyed. It took a lot of trust for Abraham to leave his native land, not knowing where he was to go (Hebrews 11:8). He left his father's house and relatives and went with [...]

Sunshine and blue skies Fresh air and cool breezes Sparkling smiles and rosy cheeks Flowing hair and tight-knit curls Who would think of all of this? Green grass and blue lakes Snowflakes and hailstorms Human interaction and good talks Giggling babies and wild toddlers Who would think of all of this? Seashells and sandy beaches [...]

I try to make the right choices, but I know that I am messing up on a daily basis. Even though I call out to God over and over again and try to let Him guide me, I still make mistakes, and I still sin. No matter how hard we try, we just can't be [...]

Sometimes, I read the Bible to study it, paying attention to who wrote each passage, who they were speaking to, what was going on historically and culturally, what the big ideas and themes are stuff like that. When I read the Bible during my quiet time, I often like to have my journal open in [...]