Everybody has critics. Even critics have critics! You will not be able to get through this life without being noticed by someone who disapproves of you. Initially, their disapproval will sting. But after a while, once God hardens you to life’s difficulties, their criticism will run off you like water off a duck’s back. Critics…
I shifted my weight from one foot to the other and hoped no one would answer my knock. As the door opened in front of me, my heart beat faster. “Uh,” I said as I looked up into the eyes of the adult before me. I was in fourth grade. Every year, my Christian school…
Our family likes to watch talent shows (mostly for the singers)—American Idol, America’s Got Talent, and The Voice. My husband calls himself a talent junkie. He’ll put on one of the shows, and I’ll eventually creep in to join him. Sometimes the best part is the judges’ reactions, particularly when you can tell they’ve just…
The Bible story of Simon Peter and his brother meeting Jesus is one of my favorites. After a long night on the water, Peter didn’t think it was possible to catch anything. He tried everything, pulled out all the tricks he’d learned over the years, and still came home nothing. Because he was a fisherman…
With a blast of its whistle, the vintage locomotive shuddered to a stop along the tracks at the top of the bluff. The charming conductor tipped his hat and a grin spread beneath his handlebar mustache as he helped us down the stairs. We found ourselves in what felt like a scene straight out of…
I’ve got this. Do you ever find yourself trying to scrape up some self-confidence and convince yourself you’ve got things under control? The other day, I was listening to the sound track from The Sound of Music. On her way to begin her new position as governess to the von Trapp children, Maria sings “I…