Karen Jurgens: Don’t Bite the Bait

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. ~Proverbs 25:11 NKJV “So, this is supposed to be my bait?” I sniffed a plastic bowl of shrimp, wrinkled my nose, and coughed. The jolly man behind the store counter chuckled as he crinkled his eyes and flashed tobacco-stained teeth. “Yup. The fish love ‘em. And I heered they’s really a-bitin’ today.” He winked. “Good luck.” The screen door creaked behind me as I waved ‘so long’ … Continue reading →

Glenda Shouse: Keep It Simple

“Keep it simple” is what my friend Susan would say….

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Diane Virginia: “Leave It To Beaver” Family

Becca longed for the simple life. She wished she could transport herself onto the set of “Leave it to Beaver.” But she knew this was just make-believe. Families weren’t that loving, marriages weren’t that kind, and children didn’t obey their parents. Or, was that the illusion? Could Becca’s family be healed? “God,” Becca prayed, “Can my family experience Your peace?” She poured coffee and opened her Bible. The sun’s first rays glimmered through the kitchen window. “Can I…?” Becca’s son … Continue reading →

Diane Virginia: Butter ‘n Curls

Danielle’s blond curls brushed Mother’s shoulder as she peered into the stew pot from the barstool. Each afternoon, she watched as her mother prepared dinner. She pretended to stir, twirling her soda straw as if it were a spoon. “Sweetheart,” Mother said, handing her daughter the squeeze butter and dinner rolls, “please help Mommy by putting these on the table.” Mother continued to stir, content that her daughter was away from the boiling stew. Suddenly, Mother realized the house was … Continue reading →

Diane Virginia: The Power of Grace

My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weaknesses. 2 Corinthians 12:9 NKJV Grace…. We say grace before a meal. We speak of God’s grace. But do we really know what grace is? Grace comes from the word charis and may be defined as “the divine influence upon the heart and its reflection in the life. (Strongs’ Concordance, NT#5485)” Grace is something that happens within the spirit of man. Paul knew something about grace. He … Continue reading →

Diane Virginia: The Mail Carrier

I thought it would be easy to navigate my way to the expressway from my new job, but I was not familiar with the neighborhood. To further my confusion, a few street signs were missing. The only sure landmark I had was a child’s soccer ball left in a yard. After passing the ball three times, I pulled my car to the side of the road, wiped the sweat from my palms, and prayed. “God, please direct me. I want … Continue reading →

Diane Virginia: Slip-‘n-Slides (3-Min)

Slip ‘n slides… They provided swift and energetic water rides for my sister and me during childhood. Mom would sprinkle a few drops of dish soap onto our plastic slide, hook up the hose, and away we’d go. Dad would swoop us up at the other side, and we’d run towards Mom, ready for another go-round. Soon, neighbor kids would hear us, and they would slide with us down the slippery slope. It’s easy to slide downhill on a slip … Continue reading →

Diane Virginia: Slip ‘n Slides

Diane Virginia: Wash Day (3-Min)

She hath washed my feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head. Luke 7:44b It was “Wash Day.” Elise got right to work. She separated the laundry into piles, loaded the washer, and reached for the cleaning agents. She meticulously measured bleach, detergent, and fabric softener, pouring each into their respective receptacles. She hit the start button, and turned away. As Elise glanced at the remaining piles, she realized the white clothes were still on … Continue reading →

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