Recently I’ve thought a lot about the Apostle Peter’s instructions to Christian believers to “in your hearts, sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you. But respond with gentleness and respect. . . ” (1 Peter 3:15-16, BSB). Peter tells us to be ready to answer, and I’ve always thought I could do that: I know what I believe and why, and have studied resources about why biblical creation is t

While I’ll admit to having had a few good laughs about the sarcastic nuances of “Bless your heart,” it’s also a good reminder to make sure people know when we’re joking and when we really do want to convey sympathy.

Anyone else ever buy a nonfiction book that looks super-relatable, and then somehow manage to bury it, not just for a few weeks or months but for a few years? Well, I did. Several years ago, a ministry I follow recommended a Bible study based on the book “Keep It Shut,” by Bible teacher Karen Ehman. The special price also included a study guide, and the topic seemed very timely, given the subtitle “What to Say, How to Say It, and When to Say Nothing at All.” Having been to

As election time nears, I’ve been reflecting on parallels between biblical history and what we see around us in our nation and communities. The prophet Zephaniah warns of God’s judgment coming to Israel/Judah because their national and spiritual leaders have bowed to multiple gods, referring to “those who bow down and swear by the Lord, but also swear by [a false god], and those who turn back from following the Lord, neither seeking the Lord nor inquiring of Him” (1:5-6, B

Classics are classics for a reason. Some teach timeless truths about good vs. evil; some draw a child’s attention to the wonder and beauty of the world around them; some use animals or fantasy characters to make hard lessons a little more palatable.

Meanwhile, my husband is trying to snatch a few more z-z-z-z-z’s after staying up late to finish a project, then trying to figure out what day it is and what planet he’s on, so he can get organized for the day’s responsibilities.

As a new school year begins, most parents hope their children’s reading skills continue to improve as they advance to a new grade level. Sadly, though, with the current state of social affairs in our country, the beginning of school also calls for vigilance on the part of parents who want to make sure what their children learn lines up with their family’s values; and one area where it’s important to be informed and get involved is that of what our students are reading. Her

Has anyone noticed how often the Bible speaks of patience or of waiting, which is usually something none of us really enjoy? I have previously mentioned my admiration for Mister Rogers of children’s TV fame, especially how he intentionally kept the show at a slower pace, allowing children time to process information and develop patience; he even sang a little song called “Let’s Think of Something to Do While We’re Waiting.” Most recently, I’ve noticed the theme in the mino

Not only was their correspondence mutually beneficial in their literary work as they shared their interests in subjects as myth and fantasy, but the letters built on those topics eventually led to Lewis’s belief in God and Christianity.

That passage took on new meaning this week as I tuned in to a special update from Iran Alive Ministries, a Christian ministry that shares the gospel via satellite in Iran and provides encouragement and support for Christians there

Many of us have grown up in suburbs, but have we ever thought much about the fact that at some point, pioneer suburbanites began bridging the gap between America’s cities and rural communities, developing neighborhoods, schools and faith communities, with some residents opening service businesses or professional offices while others continued to commute to jobs in the city? For a look at this piece of American history, join speaker Karole Friemann at Kimberling Area Librar

Wonderbooks, produced by Playaway Products, are a curated collection of print books, each accompanied by its own audiobook right inside; kids can simply press “play” to read along with their favorites.

Continuing my study of the minor prophets, I find those guys exceptionally relatable in light of current events. A few days ago, though, a verse jumped out at me as not only meaningful in context of biblical prophecy, but in personal context as well. That verse was Habakkuk 2:2, “Write down this vision, and clearly inscribe it on tablets, so that a herald may run with it” (BSB). If you’re not familiar with Habakkuk, his prophetic writings were in the context of waiting. T

As I write this, the headlines change daily, or even hourly, regarding the situation in the Middle East. Add to that the almost-daily stories of people taking their frustration out in tragic shootings; the complicated situations as elected officials in some states and cities openly declare stances that contradict America’s founding values; and the fuel prices that haven’t dropped nearly as quickly as they rose, and this column is off to a depressing start, right? Oh, y

For over two decades in law enforcement, shining boots has become part of my own routine. But somewhere along the way, I realized Dad wasn’t polishing shoes because someone demanded it. He was preparing.

Given that knowledge, why would anyone want to leave the path?