Although plans for a federal highway system were underway as early as the 1930s, construction of the Interstate Highway System was officially authorized by the Federal Highway Aid Act of 1956. By the time I-20 opened between Atlanta and Birmingham in the 1970s, the residents of my hometown eagerly anticipated faster travel along this new … More Taking the Scenic Route to Bethlehem ..read more

Advent is a sacred invitation to pause, reflect, and prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ, the Light that overcomes darkness and the promised One who brings everlasting hope. As we prepare for a meaningful Advent journey, a reflective series of Advent devotional readings can guide and encourage us along the way. In a … More Embarking on Your Advent Journey: 10 Good Options for Online Devotionals ..read more

People are hungry for encouragement. Life can be extremely discouraging at times. During this season of wars and rumors of wars, of turbulent and toxic discourse, it’s not the TikTokers or the Tweeters, not the pop culture icons or the politicians, but the encouragers who are the most significant influencers. William Arthur Ward “Flatter me, … More Building Up the Body: 10 Ways to Encourage One Another ..read more

Joy is one of the most sought-after qualities in life, yet it often feels elusive. Romans 15:13 requests, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” The Bible speaks of joy as something much deeper … More 10 Things We Need to Know About Joy ..read more

On September 11, I always take the day off. I want to be in a peaceful quiet place praying. It is a day I both mourn and celebrate. –Genelle Guzman-McMillan, 9/11 Survivor Where were you on September 11, 2001? Every year on the anniversary of this catastrophic day, my mind goes back to that day when … More Remembering September 11, 2001: Finding Faith, Hope, and Resilience in the Face of Tragedy ..read more

Thomas Edison proposed, “The three great essentials to achieve anything worthwhile are, first, hard work; second, stick-to-itiveness; third, common sense.” Although work is good and essential in both a civilized society and a spiritual community, work is not the essence of life nor is the avoidance of work the key to happiness. However, a positive … More More Than a Paycheck: 10 Good Things About Work ..read more

Fred Rogers proposed, “Being kind means responding to the needs of others—and people can be kind, no matter how old or young we are.” As we navigate our daily lives, it’s easy to overlook the profound impact that simple acts of kindness can have. The Bible encourages us to “be kind and compassionate to one … More 10 Benefits of Showing Kindness ..read more

Hebrews 12:1-2 includes this encouraging word to those who have begun a spiritual journey: “And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” The Olympics celebrate human strength, determination, and the spirit of competition. The ancient games included the Panathenaic Games … More A Few Life Lessons from the Olympics ..read more

In describing the fluctuating seasons of life, Ecclesiastes 3:4 tells us there is “A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.” Orson Scott Card contends, “Life is full of grief, to exactly the degree we allow ourselves to love other people.” Grief is an inevitable … More A Time to Mourn: Honest Conversations About Grief ..read more

As I watched the athletes parading via a variety of boats down the Seine River during the opening ceremonies of the 2024 Olympics in Paris, I was thinking about the history and origin of the games, and reflecting on the many passages in the bible that utilize athletic metaphors to describe the values and priorities … More 7 Biblical References to the Ancient Games ..read more