devotional
I always feel lacking in skills as I study beautiful homes decorated for the holidays in popular magazines. I have attempted to copy ideas from these beautiful pictures. The result has left me feeling worn-out and discontent. Don’t let that happen to you. In our...
devotional
Sunday – December 14 Look for people who need a hug, especially widows. The human touch can heal broken spirits. Monday – December 15 Grab those extra coupons in Sunday’s paper. If you don’t get the Sunday paper, stop by your local library. Most are happy to share the...
devotional
When decorating for the holidays, I love arranging my Christmas village. My grandson, Matthew, discovered the miniature people and buildings last year. The citizens of the village experienced a few minor accidents. There was nothing too serious that Super Glue...
Missions
On Saturday, I had the opportunity to travel to Atlanta with a group of forty from my church. We signed up to work a shift at the Operation Christmas Child Processing Center in Atlanta. Some refer to this as the ‘shoebox ministry.’ It’s always fun to travel with this...
devotional
Thanksgiving lunch will be a bittersweet celebration this year because it is the first holiday without my mother-in-law, Judy. She loved the holidays and had a flair for cooking and decorating. Judy was devoted to her family, and she spoiled us rotten. Everyone’s...
Book Review
I recommend All My Belongings by Cynthia Ruchti. I’ve searched my mind for an author of similar style but have failed. My heart ached for Becca Morrow as she struggled with the baggage of her family’s sins. I loved getting to know Becca’s one friend, Geneva, a wise...
devotional
I am the third child of four and often wonder how much influence birth order has on my personality and instincts. When I was a child, I didn’t instigate conflict. However, if one of my siblings punched me, I would strike back. I’m an adult but the rebellious child...
African Missions
I often ask God for signs. Remember, I’m like Gideon, the least of my tribe. Who am I to write one book? Who am I to travel to Africa on mission trips? I was exhausted and overwhelmed at the ACFW conference. Time and again, God has confirmed that I am to write...
African Missions
Tobacco Barn Thanksgiving By Shelia Stovall My childhood was spent on our family farm near South Union, Kentucky. Most farm families in our community had the tradition of spending Thanksgiving Day stripping tobacco. Today, small family farms are disappearing and the...
African Missions
The Barber’s Sanctuary By Shelia Stovall Mr. Jewell died today. I heard the news at the Piggly Wiggly. The cashiers talked among themselves trying to estimate his age. A wave of sadness washed over me and I remained silent though I knew the answer. I’d heard him brag...
