I commonly refer to 2006 as, “the year from hell.” It all began when my husband lost his ministry job and overnight, I felt old, fat, and poor. Each following month produced another catastrophe. This is the internet box that blew off the wall. I saved it as a reminder of God's protection. Our home was hit by lightning which destroyed one TV, all landline telephones, and my beloved computer. The hit to our house was so severe it blew the internet connection box off the wall in my office. When...

“My son is engaged to be married soon”, the lively grandmother explained. “His fiancé has three children (10, 8 and 4) from her first marriage. He has one 5-year-old son from a previous relationship”, she continued. “We desire to love all the kids equally. Obviously, we have an incredibly profound love for our own grandchild and because of this we have intentionally maintained a good relationship with his biological mother. The rules, atmosphere, and parenting are very different at his...

I was flying south from my small hometown in western NY. Nicely buckled in, I was minding my own business when the nudge came. I’ve experienced this before. I don’t like it. I know it’s not going to go well. That’s when the nudge converts to conviction. A familiar whisper. A stirring in my soul. “Laura, you have to say something. You must warn them,” He softly prompts. “ No, God. I’m not doing it.” I adamantly reply. “You must,” He affirms. “I’m not doing it. They will get mad,” the...