by lijadmin | Jan 21, 2024 | Bible Studies, Christian Faith, Hope, & Love
“Shalom!” One of my ministry partners in West Africa often ends her messages with “Shalom!” I smile and whisper a heartfelt “Shalom, dear sister” in response. Gently gliding in the swing on my parent’s back porch as a soft...
by lijadmin | Jan 14, 2024 | Christian Faith, Hope, & Love
In a room full of people, surrounded by several conversations, I was off to myself; I had the same thought I had a thousand times before: “I am the background friend.” You know, the one who never particularly fits in with any group of friends. I was only...
by lijadmin | Jan 7, 2024 | Christian Faith, Hope, & Love
“This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24 As the new year begins, many people will resolve to make a change or some type of personal commitment for the year 2024. Like others, I thought about the past year...
by lijadmin | Dec 31, 2023 | Christian Faith, Hope, & Love
I find it hard to believe another celebration of our Savior’s birth has come and gone for 2023, and we head into another new year! I love the Christmas story! I never get tired of hearing it. I reflected on the part where Mary and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem to...
by lijadmin | Dec 24, 2023 | Christian Faith, Hope, & Love
Babies exit the womb as tiny, wadded-up miracles of hope. They stretch, kick, and come clothed in wrinkles. Some enter the world with a resounding battle cry, ready to take on the world. Others must work up a good, attention-getting caterwaul. Yet, within each...