From good works to God’s grace. by Virginia W. Gasper ย Thirty years ago, l looked pretty good on the outside, if I say so myself. Unlike many who become Christians, leaving a life of worldly degradation, I spent my entire adult life trying to be a “good Christian.” I woke each morning determined to…
Author: nowwhat
Please Stand By
Marissa Hallare-Leinart ย ย Sweat cascaded from my armpits like a waterfall as I heard the director’s voice in my ear monitor. “Marissa, we’re still not getting a video signal,” he said casually. “You’re our lead story, so be ready no matter what happens.” Think about what to say, I tried to tell myself. But…
Reality TV: Who Has the Final Say
What a wise man says about a TV fad. by Dena J. Dyer ย The October 20, 2001, issue of TV Guide reported that, mainly due to the September 11 terrorist attacks, “reality” television just might be on its way out. Americans now have a new reality — terrorism, war, bombings, strip searches — to…
Living with a Sense of Direction
Pointing the right way in society’s drift. by Carl Phillips ย We like to think the world today is vastly different from the world of 2,000 years ago, when Pontius Pilate publicly washed his hands of the fate of a Man condemned for heresy by the religious leaders of His time. Today we have countries…
My Weakness, His Strength
Without Christ’s help, inner battles with the naturalself can destroy the Spirit-filled soul. by Chuck Pfeiffer ย I’ll call her Crystal. All you have to do is mention her name to any male member of the gym, and his eyes will roll. With long, blonde hair in a pony tail, a perfectly tanned body scantily…
He Must Increase
Gaining a proper perspective of life in the midst of its stress. by Trey Graham ย Life is full of questions. Some seek facts, others seek wisdom: What makes life worthwhile? How can I find fulfillment in life? Why do I feel so empty when my calendar is so full? God, why am I so…
Important Eternally!
Who we really are in the eyes of God. by John Alexanderson ย Old photographs of faces cloaked in somber dress, high collars, and stiff poses can estrange our modern eyes. When viewed closely, however, they usually reveal folks who look startlingly contemporary. I love to imagine myself next to the person or group in…
Forgiving a Killer
Freedom from the past is possible in the present. by Lynetta L. Smith ย Something like the sound of firecrackers peppered the hot June afternoon as our house stirred with waking toddlers and preschoolers. โItโs a little early for fireworks,โ I told my husband. A few minutes later, more shots rang out. They sounded different…
Finding the Quality of Life
by Jim Russell ย Quality of life. Is there anyone who doesn’t want to improve it, at least in some areas? What are the most common wishes and needs? Material security. Those struggling with the necessities of life — food, clothing, and shelter — long for goals more humble than the affluent in our community….
Falling Back to God
Sometimes it takes the worst in lifeto gain the best from God. by Kristin Kuenzle ย I met him at work — a carefree summer job. I was a beginning employee, and he was a manager. He wasted no time getting to know me. In fact, nothing was slow with him. From the first night…