What’s Your Resolution?

Last updated on: December 28, 2018 at 9:36 am By Ann White

This is the time of year we set resolutions. We make commitments to do— or not to docertain things during the coming year. So often, resolutions are broken within the first 30 days of making them. So — what will keep us on track this year? I believe there are four primary components that help us remain faithful to our resolutions: Evaluation — Courage — Perseverance — Accountability Evaluationpresents checks and balances. It deters us from making unnecessary, ungodly, or unrealistic... Read more

When Dead Dreams Are Resurrected

Last updated on: December 26, 2018 at 10:11 am By MaryJo Petersen Castro

A friend of mine and I were having lunch recently when she said she has let go of her dreams since cultivating a deeper relationship with God the past couple of years. She did so to align herself more closely with God’s will instead of pursuing her will and trying to make her dreams happen. There are two kinds of dreams, God-inspired and self-inspired dreams. The difference? God-inspired dreams reap eternal fruit for both the dreamer and those involved.... Read more

The Ultimate Gift

Last updated on: December 22, 2018 at 4:26 pm By Ann White

Merry Christmas Eve! While celebrating Christmas this year, what was or will be the greatest gift you receive? What was or will be the greatest gift you will give? As we gather together to share gifts in celebration of Christ’s birth, it’s crucial we slow down and remember the reason we are giving in the first place. While we get joy out of giving and genuinely care for those we give to, it can sometimes be exhausting and the holiday... Read more

Celebrating Christ

Last updated on: December 21, 2018 at 9:12 am By Ann White

Are you making room for Christ in Christmas this year? Don’t think I am not asking myself this very question. It’s so easy to get caught up in the hustle of the holidays and lose sight of the real “Reason for the Season.” Each year, our family meets in New York the week before Christmas to enjoy the festivities and lights of the city. Bundling up for freezing temps and mingling among the crowds and craziness can be a nuisance to... Read more

A Living Hope

Last updated on: December 19, 2018 at 9:32 am By Kathy Sherwin

My friend and I were walking on a warm summer evening, catching up on our lives. She asked me if I have a “living hope” in my heart. My first response was “seriously”? But she pressed me further. “Kathy, I’m serious, I know, as believers, we have the great hope of eternal life with Christ, but what about our daily ‘living hope,’ do you struggle with that, like I do?” What is “living hope” and what does it feel like... Read more

Choose Joy

Last updated on: December 18, 2018 at 8:22 am By Ann White

Do you consider yourself a joyful person? Someone who is filled with joy in spite of your circumstances? Or do you find it difficult, if not impossible, to keep your head up when trials and troubles come your way? At this time of year, we often find ourselves alternating between “joy-filled” and “stressed-out,” or somewhere in between. Decorating, preparing meals, and shopping for gifts and groceries. Events, parties, and so much more. All, amidst everything else in our regular day-to-day... Read more

Embrace Grace

Last updated on: December 14, 2018 at 12:17 pm By Ann White

Grace is a concept we often have a hard time embracing. There are times when we find it difficult to extend grace to others and times when we find it difficult to receive grace for ourselves. God’s Word defines Grace as unmerited favor. In other words, grace is the approval, regard, or preference shown to someone when they don’t deserve it. God expresses Grace through His abundant love, mercy, and gift of salvation.[1]The Greek word in the New Testament, translated as... Read more

Heartaches and Holidays

Last updated on: December 12, 2018 at 11:11 am By MaryJo Petersen Castro

Does it seem like life’s disappointments all pile up this time of year? Aloneness, the grief of a lost loved one, financial hardship, sickness, or a broken relationship is accentuated during the holiday season. At some point in our lives, we will all experience one or more of these challenges around the holidays. So, what do we do with our illuminated pile of disappointments? There are no easy solutions but there are a few things I’ve found to be helpful.... Read more

Which Way Are You Running?

Last updated on: December 7, 2018 at 10:26 am By Ann White

I don’t know about you, but I always seem to be running. Running here, running there, always running trying to keep up with family, friends, projects, responsibilities, and upcoming events. In the midst of all my busyness, I’ve found it’s critical to stop and ask myself, “Which way am I running?” Every day, we find ourselves running toward people and things and/or away from people and things. Have you ever stopped to think about what or who you are running toward or what... Read more

God- Protect Me From Myself

Last updated on: December 5, 2018 at 9:31 am By Kathy Sherwin

Once in a jail ministry class, one woman shared that she believes she was “rescued not arrested”. The other inmates looked puzzled by her statement. Then she began to explain, “Because of my bad choices, I was a danger to myself and to others – so God actually rescued me by allowing me to go to jail. So, as far as I’m concerned, I was not arrested, I was rescued from myself!” What a positive attitude this precious young lady embraced... Read more