HOLLY MACKLE|CONTRIBUTOR “This feels weird.” A favorite pastor suggests starting a needed {but awkward} discussion with precisely those words, as a way to set the conversational footing in an immediate stance of deference and humility. Yep, sounds about right. This feels weird. Infotainment cognitive dissonance. I need to talk about it. I need my people… Read More
DUSKI VAN FLEET|GUEST I’ve been trying to get control of my temper since my husband and I were married. A day planned and interrupted by children with different agendas; a husband who needs my support instead of first offering his, longings unrealized; efforts unseen—all of this often leads me not to a dependent conversation with… Read More
SHARI THOMAS|CONTRIBUTOR I walked out of the apartment onto our busy sidewalk when a surge of fear rushed through me. “Did I get dressed today?” Thankfully, the only issue was my shirt, on inside out. On some occasions, I’ve forgotten a perfectly good meal, only to discover it a few days later still in the… Read More
RACHEL CRADDOCK|GUEST Put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:22-24 Recently, I brought two different… Read More
VANESSA HAWKINS|GUEST I had the privilege of visiting the Holy Land this past January. It had been a lifelong dream, but as I have discovered in times past, the realization of a dream is often not the way we envision it. A Dream of Israel When I first began planning for the pilgrimage to Israel… Read More
PATSY KUIPERS|GUEST I don’t have many distinct memories of my grandfather since I was in first grade when he passed away. I do, however cherish the recollections I have. Details provided by my mom as she’s spoken lovingly of her father over the years complete my mental portrait of this kind and gentle man. Apples… Read More
BARBARANNE KELLY|GUEST I used to be a regular consumer of cable news. Wars, crime, tragedy, political outrage, frightening weather phenomena: all these and more, I consumed in heaping doses from the news. Turning on the TV isn’t necessary anymore to maintain the diet of alarm, is it? Now it comes—personalized even more—through my Facebook feed.… Read More
RENEE MATHIS|GUEST “The only thing that separates us from the animals is our ability to accessorize.” – Steel Magnolias Those who know me also know that I love a colorful scarf, sparkly earrings, or statement necklace. I’ve been known to choose a sport (or not) based on the accompanying attire. So it’s no surprise that… Read More