by Jessica Osborne-Stacy

 I can’t do this anymore" Macy said, as she stood in the doorway. "What did you say girl?" A rough husky voice replied. "I can’t." she said softly as she looked into the dark musty motel room. "I don’t want to live like this anymore." "Oh no, I don’t think so woman, I paid for you.” The rough husky voice replied again. Macy reached into her side bag and pulled out a handful of money. "HERE! Take it all back!" She threw the money and watched silently as the bills floated down to the floor, she then turned and ran out into the street and started walking.

HomeSchooling With Brenda: A HomeSchooler's Look at Virtual Pinboards

Have you heard of virtual pinboards? They are similar to online bookmarks. Pinterest is my pinboard of choice. To be honest, if there are others, I’ve not heard of them. Anyone can use Pinterest; it’s that easy! You just need a friend to issue you an invitation, or you must request one and wait a week or so for the Pinterest people to approve you. It’s free,

Poetry and Prose: Gifts for Christian Living

by Jettie Hess

Faith," "Hope," and "Love" are very important parts of the message for Christian living in all of the epistles of the New Testament. Moreover, they are always mentioned as being specifically related to one another, as though they form a sort of regime governing the Christian life.

 www.LoveChristNow.com

Joy Through the Storm: Water for the Weary

Lost in the desert…bone weary, desperately thirsty, skin sun blistered and sand blasted. No end in sight…no relief in view….no hope of rescue.

No, this is not the trailer for a new adventure movie. It is the way many people feel on their daily journey through life. Helpless and hopeless.

Healing Words for Hurting Hearts: The Beautiful Incense of Prayer-- Part 2

by Dr. Rebecca Dowden

As we continue this month looking at the example of prayer in Exodus, I hope we will all grow deeper in our desire to connect to God through prayer. Like the fragrant smoke of the ancient priests’ incense swirling towards the heavens, our prayers mysteriously combine the depths of our souls with the heart of God.

Comfortable to Compelled: New Year's Resolutions

by Paula Mowery

Beginning in February many of us are forced to hang our heads when asked how our new year’s resolutions are coming along. We really did plan on losing those extra pounds by eating right and exercising. Let’s face it, by now, most of those promises are just distant memories we wish we could completely erase. It’s just too easy to stay in the comfortableness of the rut we’re in. 

Words Spoken in Secret: Those Things Your Parents Taught You

by Candace Simar

 My father taught me to think for myself, to avoid following the crowd, to be my own person and trust my judgment more than someone else’s.  Those of you who know me would agree that I learned this lesson!  Though my father died when I was still a teenager, I still hear his voice in my head reminding me of these values.  Looking back on my life, I am very grateful for his instruction

Leigh's Spiritual Garden: I Am a Very Tired Sinner

by Leigh Moran

She sat on the old wooden bench beneath a barren tree weeping. She was weeping for the world. The pain within her heart and soul was very heavy this day, for all of mankind.