Taking the Plunge Against Fear

Today I’m honored to share a guest post written by Barbara Latta, a writer friend. You may hold your breath during part of her story, but you’ll also be encouraged to trust God as she was. Barbara’s bio and information about her writing are underneath the post. Here’s Barbara: I stood on the edge of the swimming pool garbed from head to toe in neoprene and encased in an inflated vest hooked to a heavy tank of air. Sparkling H2O lay before me ready to swallow my reluctant body if I would only jump in. After my husband and our…

Embrace Hope When Life is Hard

Who needs hope? Are you raising your hand? I am. We need hope for today, tomorrow, and the future. For small things and large things. For common dreams and secret dreams. For “normal” days and hard days. Why do you need hope? Fill in the blank: I need hope because _____________. May I share a hope-filled treasure with you? DESTINATION HOPE: A Travel Companion When Life Falls Apart, authored by Marilyn Nutter and April White, offers authentic and riveting stories of women who found hope during unexpected trials and changes. The authors’ honest words about tough times offer a life preserver…

Quench Your Thirst–Forever

Our youngest granddaughter pedaled her bike down the riverside trail and called, “You can’t go fast like me.” (She was right about that.) During brief rest stops, she picked wild violets, admired an Australian shepherd who passed us, and marveled at a deer who posed behind his foliage camouflage. Though we chose shady paths, hot summer air soon slowed our pace. I suggested we return to the car for water, but our little biker wanted to continue. Ten minutes later, when her face began to resemble a ripe tomato, I insisted we take a break. On the way to the…

Three Ways YOU Can Influence the Lives of Hundreds: Pray for Schools in Your Community

My friend Jodi posted a prayer request this morning. She’s not ill, nor has she lost a loved one. She desires prayer for herself, her students, and co-workers as she launches her twenty-fifth year of teaching. Each of us can influence the lives of others in three ways by praying and showing support for the schools in our community. First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people. I Timothy 2:1 ESV Students and Staff Members in Schools Near You Need You. Instead of complaining and shaking our heads about the woes…

Open the Doorways to Comfort

Until she died at age 92, my cousin Betty’s words of welcome were always the same. “Now, you know I don’t cook, but I have plenty of beds, so plan to stay here when you come.” For breakfast, Betty served coffee with toast. Guests often cooked eggs or made sandwiches in her kitchen, but each evening, our hostess treated us to fresh seafood at a local restaurant. Soft pillows, fluffy towels, and hearty laughter at family stories enhanced Betty’s relaxed style of entertaining and wrapped us in a warm, put-your-feet-up sense of home. In a word, comfort. Whether in her…