We get calls from both our sons, but the younger one calls more frequently. He calls not only on birthdays and holidays, but every day. When I was still on staff...

I enjoy turning recycled junk into art. I take items that are going to be discarded — vintage tools, hardware, old china, tiles, game pieces, aluminum cans, and other everyday objects...

When I was a child, my home environment was filled with violence. I felt completely insignificant. When I was only seven or eight years old, I was depressed and harbored dark...

My ministry entails editing a newsletter to help inmates like me who are on death row. Recently, while I was organizing the next issue, an elderly inmate came to my cell...

It was a warm spring day — perfect for fishing. I felt such peace as my husband and I drifted along the calm lake in our inflatable boat. The sun warmed...

I was sick, and it was getting me down. I wanted to pray for help, but I barely had the energy to sit up or even string a sentence together. When...

The weather has recently changed from warm sunny days to gray chilly days and even colder nights. The leaves have fallen from the trees. With the falling temperatures and frost at...

At times in my life I have been hurting from the troubles and pain surrounding me — an argument in the family, mental problems, sickness, anger, blame, or doubt. At those...

One afternoon I was walking through a park when I saw a woman sitting on a bench. Her hair was in disarray, her face bore a sad expression, and her eyes...

I enjoy participating in road races, triathlons, and other athletic competitions. One of my favorite motivational quotes says, “Finishing ‘dead last’ trumps ‘did not finish,’ which trumps ‘did not start.’” Those...