Suggested reading from the Editor's personal library.

Faith is not some trendy church word used by Christ-followers, or a word to be tossed around in a casual manner. Isaiah 6:7b says, If you do not stand firm in your faith, then you will not stand at all. God takes our faith in Him very seriously and we should, too.

The Bible is a treasure, taken for granted by many, but deeply appreciated by others.

I overheard someone mention the name of the woman playing guitar: Toni Rypkema. How could I forget a name like that? Without hesitation, I stepped across the courtyard and introduced myself. We laughed and were excited to finally meet. Little did I know, our brief encounter would be the first of many as she would become a dear friend.

Sex trafficking is not a crime of chance—it’s a business. And like any business, it thrives on demand. As long as there are people willing to pay for sex, traffickers will continue to supply victims.

What do you do when life throws you more losses than wins? Or when fear whispers a lie that cripples your confidence and steals your strength?

The smell of exhaust tickled Brittany’s little nose as she walked away from the big yellow school bus toward the house where she and her mom stayed. As she neared home, those big brown eyes searched frantically when she heard booming, angry voices.

Going through a season of waiting requires perseverance in the face of disappointment.

Not so long ago, I couldn’t walk out the door without an argument. For years, darkness, insecurity, and paranoia enslaved my husband which eradicated even the tiniest glimmer of joy in his life. And for so long, we didn’t know why.

Wandering through days in the valley of the shadow of death is palpable and daunting. Memories flood the senses with all things beautiful while the heart is fragmented. Time takes on a new meaning. Another day, another week, another month. Another year refusing to stand still.

A sense of renewal hangs in the air as I pen my thoughts. It’s time to reset our minds and make some changes.

As a Christian, I’ve often wrestled with the tension between pursuing both God and financial stability. On one hand, I want to trust God completely and focus on my spiritual growth. However, I also know I need money to provide for my family, give generously, and live responsibly.