No matter what we’ve done, Jesus reaches out to receive us back. by Rhonda de la Moriniere Photo Credit: © kieferpix | istockphoto.com Sometimes we have no idea how Jesus uses all the seemingly insignificant details in our lives to come together at just the right moment, in just the right way, to create a hole…
Author: nowwhat
When Mercy Found Me
What it’s like to move from vengeance to victory. by James Anderson* as told to Leslie Williams The summer rain pelted against my office window as I stared at the email that would change my life. My fingers hovered over the keyboard, trembling with anger as I contemplated my response. After fifteen years of building…
Second Chances
Celebrating the mercies of God. by Tammy Darling New home, new beginning, new memories. When I hung the large canvas picture in my new home five years ago, I couldn’t have been happier. I mean, who doesn’t like second chances? A fresh start, a new chapter, an opportunity in the making. Yes, I was all…
Through the Valley of Chronic Pain
Discovering the closeness of God in the least likely place. by Leslie Williams The morning sun streamed through my bedroom window, but I couldn’t appreciate its warmth. Instead, I lay motionless, afraid to trigger another wave of debilitating pain that had become my constant companion. At thirty-two, I should have been in the prime of…
When the Church Prays
Learning the power of intercession in the darkest valley. by Carolyn D. Andersen The first indication something was seriously wrong with my husband, Sam, came when my pastor and two policemen stood at my front door. I had no previous indication anything was wrong. Sam had talked to my daughter, Stacia, when he got off…
Open for Business
Partnering with God and leaving the details to Him. by Margaret Peterson My fingers trembled as I punched the ATM code to check my balance. Would I have enough for this second mortgage payment? Yes, just enough. A puff of relief lifted brunette bangs from my forehead. I had written the first check with confidence…
God Wastes No Pain
What the Enemy intends for evil God uses for good. by Tammy Murray The phone call came early and unexpected. I listened while the director of the Justice Center recounted the details. Never in their twenty-seven years had the police seen anything so brutal — horrendous injury done to body and soul. “Can you come?”…
Finding the Way Forward
© David Michael Bellis | istockphoto.com Coping with a loved one’s memory loss in God’s strength. by Alma Barkman As I stopped the car in front of the motel, my husband asked, “Why are you stopping?” “Because we’ve driven all day and it’s time to take a break,” I replied, rather puzzled by his question….
I Can’t but . . . He Can
Living an overcoming life against overwhelming odds. by Kerri Ellen Hanke as told to Priscilla Tate Gilmore Things were not going as expected. A routine trip for an ultrasound of my fourth child, Annie, led to another ultrasound and an amniocentesis. With each test, the possibility of a heart defect hovered like a dark cloud. Little…
A New Resolution
Kicking the habit — and much more. by Nancy Searle It was a warm June evening, and the colors in the back yard had muted to a soft green. I spoke slowly. “God, I’m sorry that I tried to run my life without You for so long. I’m giving my life back to You. Do…