Years ago, I had the unique privilege of visiting the Ukraine and meeting new relatives for the first time. Despite my parents’ ability to speak Ukrainian fluently and their efforts to teach me the language, I’m embarrassed to admit I still didn’t know how to converse intelligently. As a result, it was difficult at times communicating with many family members. I was very thankful that laughter, smiles, and hugs could demonstrate our desire to show compassion and kindness towards each other. Reflecting back on these wonderful memories...
read moreAs freelance artists, my husband and I have been learning that artistic expression takes on many forms and it’s a brilliant way to gain fellowship and communion with our Almighty God. We don’t have to be a skilled artist to use this wonderful tool. Whether it’s cooking a meal, writing a song, building a sandcastle, or planting a garden, God can bring healing and strength through the process of creating art. I find it amazing that our Creator’s hands enjoy shaping and molding each of our lives into His exquisite masterpiece. This...
read moreMy husband and I were tested a great deal this month. Car repairs and medical bills significantly increased, and our account became dangerously low. During the trial, the Lord brought to my attention many courageous people who were living by faith. Their powerful stories I read online, throughout the Bible, and in various books reminded me and my husband to be faithful to God no matter what we face. As we made the decision to be obedient and turn our anxiety over to the Lord, we were rewarded with an unexpected miracle. A beloved...
read moreIt takes a tremendous amount of strength to change. As a result, the transformation process requires God’s unconditional love as well as the compassion from brothers and sisters in Christ who will care, support, and encourage us. Recently my husband’s uncle received a heart transplant. Through the prayers and love from many people, he gained courage to undergo the surgery and perseverance to endure the pain. I was reminded that growing both emotionally and spiritually involves continuously learning how to give and receive love. ...
read moreAlong my spiritual journey, I’ve been enjoying the opportunity to taste, feel, hear, and see the remarkable creativity of God. From gazing upon shimmering stars in the sky to witnessing an individual’s life completely changed by Christ, I’m provided with the comfort in knowing we have an extraordinary Creator who is the source of all creativity. In Genesis 1:27 we are told, “So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” As we grow, we will discover creativity is within...
read moreI’m so thankful our Creator promises to give us hope and we’re guaranteed it won’t disappoint us. When we put our hope in the Lord and receive His unfailing love, I’m discovering our strength will be renewed and we’ll be provided with wisdom, peace, and joy. This month I’ve heard more and more wonderful stories of the Lord supplying people with hope in the midst of their pain and hardship. It helped me gain a deeper hunger and thirst for my Savior and my desire to grow greatly intensified. I’ve learned if we wait to...
read moreMy six year old son joined a soccer team for the very first time this season. Despite his team losing the first game, he was still happy to have been given the chance to participate in the fun sport. However, one game lost soon turned into being defeated by seven more teams. Lack of motivation to continue the sport began entering my son’s mind and his passion for the game started to weaken in his heart. Although it saddened me to see my precious son have to go through this trial, the Lord reminded me that this was an awesome...
read moreWe were all born with the desire for someone to rescue and save us. We long for a hero who genuinely cares about us and displays courage, strength, and bravery. While we ultimately honor and worship our amazing Savior, we still recognize and admire individuals who are displaying Christ-like qualities. During my journey towards maturity, I’m discovering that the Lord will rise up special people who touch our lives in extraordinary ways. My father-in-law is a quadriplegic and has been in a wheel chair for 17 years. This month he was...
read moreI find it remarkable that we can allow God to fill us with His power when we are weak or uncomfortable. Becoming mighty and mature sons and daughters of the King will require us to enter unfamiliar places. I’m learning this may mean stepping out of our comfort zones in order to be obedient to our Creator’s voice. My mother had the incredible opportunity to travel to South Africa on a mission trip this month. She and a team of other believers followed God’s call and shared the love of Christ with numerous children. If my mother...
read moreBuilding a lasting relationship without love is impossible. Facing obstacles without love is hopeless. Trying to transform into strong, healthy, and mature individuals without God’s amazing love is out of the question. This month I celebrated my birthday. Experiencing peace and joy as I turned one year older would have been unachievable without the power of love. I’m very thankful the Lord answered my prayer by surrounding me with people I adored on that special day. The Bible encourages us, “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is...
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