Joy
In the early 70’s, Marcine Richman posted a request on the bulletin board at the Army Corps of Engineers office in downtown Portland, Oregon, where she worked. She hoped to find someone in the Milwaukie area who could carpool with her to work.My Uncle Miles, who worked in the Corps, happened to notice the post…
One evening, while looking forward to relaxing with a book, I realized I’d finished the last book in my lineup of new ones. Determined to carry out my plan, I strolled into my den and began perusing my bookshelf of completed books. My final selection of a book I’d read many years ago seemed casual,…
One quiet morning by the Sea of Galilee, a small group of weary disciples encountered Jesus after His resurrection. “Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Galilee. It happened this way…” — John 21:1 Simon Peter, still burdened with guilt and uncertainty, said, “I’m going out to fish.” The others followed.…
I’ll never forget the day a rainbow appeared over Folly Beach, South Carolina. It was captured on camera by Richard, my brother Greig’s best friend and fellow caregiver. Richard and I had been taking turns caring for Greig, who was fighting acute leukemia. After three long months in the hospital—and even after a perfect bone…
Sometimes God teaches us lessons in ways we don’t expect. My desire to understand what it truly means to reflect His image was answered through a simple moment—while watching a TBN interview with Tauren Wells. At first, I didn’t know much about him. Later, I learned he’s a platinum-selling recording artist, a songwriter with ten…
Sometimes, God opens a door when we least expect it. One ordinary day, I called a company with a few technical questions. A young woman answered and introduced herself. Her name immediately caught my attention — it was the same as my childhood best friend, someone I’m still close to. I laughed and asked how…
The song “Mary, Did You Know?” never fails to bring tears to my eyes. Each time I hear it, I imagine the flood of emotions that filled Mary’s heart when the angel Gabriel appeared with a message that would change her life—and the world—forever. Can you picture her in that moment? A young woman, suddenly…
It’s amazing how small, unexpected moments can spark meaningful connections. I was at the nail salon, tucked into a cozy chair, enjoying some quiet time while catching up on my latest book. My Vietnamese friend, Lily, was giving me a fresh coat of polish on my toenails. After finishing, she showed me the latest picture…
A few months ago, a newsletter from a dear friend caught my attention. She shared how she had a conversation with God about a verse that many of us have read countless times but may not fully grasp: “And Mary said, ‘My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.’”— Luke…
A young boy sits at a grand piano, tapping out a simple tune. A mother, eager to encourage her son’s musical journey, took him to a concert by the renowned pianist Paderewski. After settling into their seats, the mother spotted an old friend across the room and wandered down the aisle to say hello. Seizing…