One day on a hike, I could see my intended destination: a grove of spruce trees towering above me. However, a thick briar patch stood in my way. Pulling clippers from...

My family is fascinated with birds, and we try to identify them whenever we are outside. One morning I saw an unusual and interesting bird. I didn’t have binoculars ready, so...

Tee times, happy hour, concerts, ball games, and tailgating were normal events in my life until a poor decision led to my DUI. My way of life was one of self-absorption,...

“Thank you, Sister. I’m blessed with your sermon,” said my friend. I had been given the opportunity to preach a sermon in our prayer meeting. Although I had prepared, I was...

There have been many times in my life when I have felt so overwhelmed that I have become very anxious, critical, and hopeless. Being a full-time student with a part-time job...

Our pastor recently announced that he will be leaving us in a few months to take a position at another church. I was saddened by this news; his departure will be...

A few months ago, my wife and I were at a restaurant with another couple, and we were able to talk with them about our faith. The wife told us that...

Growing up as the oldest of three sisters with a large extended family, I never knew a shortage of siblings, cousins, or friends coming and going through our home. For the...

The other night at our evening prayer time, Sister Alegría and I were interrupted by a beetle that was attracted to our hand-held light. The inch-long creature kept landing on our...

I’ve been reading The Upper Room on a daily basis for over 35 years, and it used to sadden me when I noticed an asterisk next to a writer’s name. This...