One night I suddenly woke up at midnight and spent two hours trying to get back to sleep. Unresolved problems and burdens from the previous days were preventing me from peaceful...

Because I was unable to find work or housing after my college graduation, my life was uncertain. Then I re-read Matthew’s account of Jesus’ struggle in the wilderness and my perspective...

As I began my morning stroll, the Texas air was already heavy with humidity and hot from intense sunshine. Much of my route was in direct sunlight, and I found myself...

My son was just seven years old when he watched the news report on TV that announced our country was going to war. His brother asked a couple of questions about...

Three weeks into my church class on Christian disciplines, I introduced the group to fasting as an important component of prayer life. Then, I gave practical instructions so that they could...

As we were walking along a nature path, my husband, Ray, and I heard a beautiful birdsong and pulled out our binoculars. “What kind of bird could that be?” we asked....

I found my toddler on the stairs, contentedly shoving rocks into his mouth. I fished the rocks out and carried him to the table to eat dessert. He didn’t appreciate that....

I am currently serving a 15-year prison sentence. Recently I had a visit from my children, whom I had not seen in three years. What joy! I noticed that my 8-year-old...

Now and then, my friend Gerardo asks me to take care of his dog, Esna — a sweet, gentle, and energetic pug. She’s the kind of dog who doesn’t need a...

Because I have some hearing loss, I often miss or misunderstand what people say to me. Some people become irritated when I ask them to repeat things. I sometimes find myself...