Early on a Thursday morning, I began to feel bad with a terrible headache, nausea and my vision became blurred. I endured the symptoms for two days before deciding to go to urgent care for some relief. The doctor there seemed perplexed and prescribed an antibiotic deciding that it may be an inner ear infection. He advised me to see my primary care doctor on Monday. On Monday, my doctor sent me to an ophthalmologist to determine the cause of my blurred vision. The eye doctor told me the dreaded words that I never thought I would hear. He said I had a stroke.

Anxiety, Encouragement, Faith, Friendship, Illness, Life Changes, Prayer, TrialsAmy SappFebruary 12, 2024Stroke, Prayer, Needs, Scary, God, Dependent

Treasures in Trials - Amy Sapp

“In circumstances as dark as these... It becomes us as men and Christians to reflect that while every prudent measure should be taken to wart off impending judgements.”

Is Your Life on Cruise Control? - Rachel Strosnider

I began to realize that in life it can become easy to turn on “cruise control” and go through life doing our routines without thought of purpose. Dishes need washed, papers stack up, laundry piles need sorted, groceries need bought, family needs cared for, Sunday School lessons need studied, etc…

Praise Him Anyway! - Maria Thompson

We give and take when it is convenient for us as well as beneficial. We forget about expecting nothing in return. We forget about simply doing. Giving and receiving must be for me and only me.

Grow in Christ - BeckySue Troutman

In order for us to grow in Christ; we need to

G- Get

R- Rid

O- Of Old

W-Ways and put into practice new ways!

What is your Why? - Kristen Thompson

There is usually more than one reason for why we do things. These reasons can be like building blocks upon each other, but we must not misplace our motive in the wrong building block as the foundation of our decisions. Ultimately, the Bible says our purpose is to bring glory to God, and making decisions in accordance with His Word is how this is accomplished.

Children, Christian Life, Christian Service, Faith, God's Will, Trusting God, TrialsAmy SappJanuary 8, 2024What, Why, Reason, Doubt, Example, Do, Go, Say, Serve

The Duty of Attitude - Catherine Veazey

But today I challenge us to reflect on Mary. We understand she is not to be worshipped or even “put on a pedestal” as an object of attainment, as if to say, “ I wander if I am highly favored and blessed among women”. We would err to exalt her even to that degree in our minds. However, every person ever created in His image, which is all mankind, can be used as ensamples to each of us weather good or bad.

Anxiety, Christian Life, Christian Service, Faith, Trials, Trusting GodAmy SappDecember 18, 2023Attitude, Worship, Submission, Understanding, Fear Not

Have Courage! Be Bold! Live Brave! - Amy Sapp

Women in the Bible can offer us deep meaning and teach us! These women can teach us so much about-facing brokenness and hopelessness with courage even TODAY! They probably do not show up in VBS songs, or many Sunday School lessons. These women even today can teach us to live courageously, through difficult or even dangerous situations!

Having Joy in the Ups and Downs of Life - Joy Sauceda

With a name like Joy, living up to my name has been a life-long challenge. People often ask

how I manage to maintain a positive attitude, and keep a smile on my face. I can assure you, it

can sometimes be quite difficult. It is rather easy to find joy when all is right with the world, and

everything in life is going according to our plan. However, the true challenge is, how can we

hold on to that Joy while navigating through life’s heartaches and stormy waters?

Christian Life, Encouragement, Faith, God's Will, Love of God, Life Changes, TrialsAmy SappNovember 27, 2023Joy, JOY, Trials, Struggles, Happiness, Others, Love of God, Heart, Soul

Patience and Pride - Diana Weinert

Patience…. My least favorite word of all time. So many “well meaning” people have tried to be an “encouragement” to me over the years by saying things like, “God will bring you just the right man, you just have to be patient” or “God will show you what He wants for your future, you just have to be patient”.

ISO: Answered Prayer - Sandy Domelle

Have you ever noticed that sometimes we get so consumed with our own wants and needs? This leads to praying endlessly all day because we want an answer immediately, and then we start to get upset, mad, and bitter when we don’t get a response. It feels like our prayers are hitting the ceiling and bouncing back to us. What happens next is that you’ve become so frustrated about what you are praying for that you begin arguing with the Lord. You want to wrestle with Him so that you can win. Is it wrong to be passionate about your prayer life? No, but there are often times when you try to force your way and even manipulate your answer, and then you live in misery and regret because you had to have what you wanted.

Keep Asking - Faith Thurmond

You see, I remember the times I prayed. When I was a teenager, I prayed for a husband. I asked God over and over to give me a husband. You see my dad pastored in a pretty bad part of Memphis, Tn and let’s just say there was no one around to marry. I even told my mom God won’t send anyone here for me to marry. You see, I did doubt that God could do it…maybe I didn’t doubt God could as much as I doubted that God would do it for me. I was discouraged, would God ever send me my future husband?

Children, Christian Life, Faith, Friendship, God's Will, Life Changes, Trials, Trusting GodAmy SappSeptember 25, 2023Trials, Ask, Seek, Knock, pray, prayer, consistent

So let the SON shine in... When the SUN is shining! - Laura Stauffacher

Striving to remain humble. Realize that all we are and all we have is because of the Lord. Having a humble attitude as we go through a trial will allow the Lord to teach us things that we need to learn in that trial.

It's Not My Problem, or Is It?? - Dot Soldavini

As society continues to normalize sin, it has become even more important that we provide and

promote safe environments for children. As parents, grandparents, and caregivers, this should be

a top priority. As society tries to make sin into “right”, we must continue to hold steadfast to the

Bible’s definition of sin. Also, as society seeks to normalize abnormal sexual and relational

behavior, they are making it easier for predators to pursue victims. Activities that are now being

disguised as “family-friendly”, leave children vulnerable to harm.

Have a friend; Be a friend! - Marcella Smith

I desperately needed a flesh and blood friend; a person with skin on. I knew I had my wonderful Heavenly father, and I decided to never leave Him nor forsake Him nor blame Him no matter how bad my life seemed to me. But God also gives us a need for humans. During the whole ugly, crushing, debilitating process; I needed a friend. I was so very confused, devastated, and broken: I needed a friend!

Engulfed - Jodi Sherlin

July 3rd of this last year, 7 months ago, our family was enjoying some small fireworks outside. Nothing extravagant. Just a few that were sold around town that made some nice colors in the air. The men folk made sure that they did them in what we thought were a safe distance from our home and garage, and all was good. We were having a good time. When it was all done, my husband and sons in law were very diligent about checking to make sure everything was secure and there were no sparks or flames. We all took our time getting in the house and our extended family took their time leaving, nobody was in a hurry, it was a very relaxed evening. After everyone was gone, we were settling in for the night, my husband and I in the living room just about to get our pugs on our laps. Our married kids were all settled in their room. My son, who was at the farthest end of our home, came out into the living room, white as a ghost and said with a look on his face, that I will NEVER forget.. “THE HOUSE IS ON FIRE!”

Anxiety, Christian Life, Dealing With Grief, Encouragement, Life Changes, Trials, Trusting GodAmy SappFebruary 20, 2023House Fire, Fire, Calm, Storm, Flames, Hot, Fireworks

The Classroom of Life - Pam Seulean

One day, I overheard a third grader disdain a kindergartener’s work. “Oh, that’s SO EASY! I wish my work was that easy.” Of course, the sixth grader immediately scoffed, “You think YOUR work is hard?? Wait until you get to sixth grade!” Whereupon the 11th grader in the room piped up with scorn, “Dude. You have no idea. Take a look at this chemistry equation I had today!” (And I wanted to tell HIM that, chemistry and all, his life is so simple compared to an adult’s life!)

Children, Christian Life, Faith, God's Will, Life Changes, TrialsAmy SappJanuary 30, 2023School, Classroom, Life, Easy, school, hard

Look Up - Jean Santos

I heard a sermon illustration about a bee. It was said that if you put a bee in the bottom of a glass jar, the bee will never fly out. Why? Because the bee never looks up to realize that the way out is right above him. I think that all too often, I am the same way. When I face problems, I tend to look around for answers, but forget to look up for His answer. I am so thankful that my Father is a “very present” help. (Psalm 46:1) He’s right there---every step of the way---even when I don’t realize it. He promises me in His Word that He will never leave me or forsake me (Hebrews 13:5-6). The key is that I lift up my eyes. I need to turn my eyes upon Jesus and look full in His wonderful face! When I do, the things of this earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace. When days are dreary…look up! When the long nights are weary….look up! Jesus cares! When the sun is shining….

Jesus the GREATEST GIFT - Geri Jean Sanderson

I never realized how hard it must have been for God to send Jesus to earth for those 30 years. Until I lost my daughter to heaven. I loved being her mom, best friend, and serving Jesus together for so many years.

I Thought We Were Friends - Amy Sapp

“I thought we were friends.” / “I thought you loved me.”

The hurt behind those words can overshadow years of life, love, and memories. All the good times fade away when a friendship is betrayed.

Investment, down the drain. Trust destroyed. Love questioned.

Have you been there? / Are you currently there?