The Thanksgiving season inspires us to consider all the good in our lives. If only it was as natural to be this thankful all year! It’s possible, but we have to intentionally live with an attitude of gratitude. Of all the blessings I am thankful for this year, none matter as much to me as the people God has placed in my life. We can gain a lot of wealth, but without people to share it with, what does it matter? Connections – deep, meaningful relationships – make life rich and rewarding. This Thanksgiving season, I want to highlight a few people who have made this last year extra special … [Read more...]

The joy of the holidays can quickly be replaced by horror if you are meeting your sweetie’s family for the first time. If your honey is coming home with you for the first time this year, go out of your way to take some of the pressure off of him or her – and off of your family as they may be a bit nervous as well. ~smile~ Below are five ways you can help your sweetie connect with your family this Thanksgiving. It pays to get off to a good start with the future in-laws! I wish I had thought of these the first Thanksgiving Eric spent with my family! Let Your Sweetie in on Your Family … [Read more...]

When I was growing up, I remember my mom always telling me to say “Sir” and “Ma’am” when talking to adults and to always say “please” and “thank you.” She was going to pound manners into me if it took her a lifetime! ~smile~ Sure, it was a little annoying having to go through the drill every single time I went to stay over at a friend’s house, but I am so thankful that she instilled those words into my vocabulary. Though we don’t like to be called “Sir”and “Ma’am” when we are young, there is something special about the respect behind the title. When I address anyone as Sir or Ma’am, I am … [Read more...]

Birthdays take on a whole new meaning when you realize that God planned for your life, your arrival, and how many days you will live on this Earth (Acts 17:24-31). Some may wonder how Christ-followers can be so staunchly pro-life when some children are conceived in horrific ways. Well, we believe all life is sacred because God determines life, and He (and He alone) allows wombs to be opened or closed (Isaiah 44:2, 24; Genesis 20:18; 29:31; 30:2, 22; 49:25; 1 Samuel 1:5-6; Job 31:15; Psalm 139:13; Isaiah 66:9; Jeremiah 1:5; Exodus 23:26; Deut 7:14). The child who comes out of rape situation … [Read more...]