I was serving as a youth usher at our church. One Sunday morning during the service, as part of my duties, I hurried to the back of the church to gather...

There’s something about the new year that feels full of hope and possibility. The anticipation of something new gives me the desire to clear out the clutter and create space —...

When I was a child, I often saw Javan munia birds in rural rice fields. Farmers consider these birds pests because they eat the rice. Sometimes farmers shoot at the flock...

My mother was my hero and my cheerleader. But then because of alcohol, she was in and out of my life. I remember watching my mother slowly be consumed by her...

I glanced out my front window, and the street was quiet. It was just another day. Last night, however, was much different. We heard the whistle and pop of exploding fireworks,...

I keep an old coffee can on my dining room table. Every day I write something I’m thankful for on a small slip of paper and place it in the can....

When I was in high school, I traveled back and forth between Germany and the United States by ship several times. Although the vast ocean seemed endless, I had total faith...

Since I was a child, I have attended Sunday school. I have always enjoyed it. In my youth, I embraced the opportunity to teach a preteen Sunday school class. For more...

As the time to take down Christmas decorations drew near, I felt that familiar sadness in my heart. The celebration of Christmas comes and goes so quickly. As I began to...

After weeks of high temperatures followed by torrential rainfall, the sun rose on a calm, clear morning. The blue sky was sprinkled with white fluffy clouds. I decided to take a...