We are so happy that you decided to stop by for a visit. If this is your first time with us on this website, here are some tips. Right below …
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Michelle Castner – The Castner Chronicles
I can’t believe we have been here for 4 months already! It has been a very blessed 4 months spiritually and physically. You have all been so kind and helpful to our family as we have made our adjustments to being back in the States. I think that most of the culture shock is wearing off, although a part of that never goes away. That may be hard to understand (I don’t always understand it) but I think that some of it has to do with the fact that somewhere in the future we will have to say good-bye again and the Lord helps us prepare for that by not letting us feel completely “at ease”.
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Beverly Hammett – Streams in the Desert
Greetings from dry and dusty Botswana! It has been interesting learning to live in a desert climate. Since our last rainfall was in March, and grass is a rare commodity in this country, dust prevails everywhere. The slightest little breeze stirs up the dust and dirt. Just the dogs walking through the yard sends up clouds of dirt. And when they play and run and fight, it looks like a dust storm in our yard. The other night we had a wind storm and it actually sounded like ice was hitting the windows—but it was just dirt and sand.
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Boys and Dirt
“How do I keep BOYS from playing with dirt, rocks, and bugs during church when they are sitting in a pile of it?”
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Beneath the Surface and Behind the Scenes…God’s Seasons
The Bird of Paradise is showing off her glories in our back yard once again! We recently planted two rose bushes chosen out of hundreds at Ludwig’s Rose Garden while on a “date” to the airport. Of course, they appear more like thorny sticks than budding beauties. But their (hopefully) glorious season lies ahead. And two of several purple irises have awakened from their winter sleep.
Resourcefulness
A few months ago, while my daughter was cleaning the bathrooms, she noticed that there were several hand soap dispensers that were just about empty and needed to be replaced. Rather than throw all of them away, and waste that last little bit of soap in the bottom of each of them, she used creativity and resourcefulness to combine them all into one of the dispensers, so that soap wouldn’t be wasted and could be used to clean hands! This is a great example of a young lady using resourcefulness!
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When Mom & Dad Are Wrong
Let’s be honest — young people don’t always cherish and agree with the authority of their mom and dad. There’s probably dozens of times you thought they had no clue what they were talking about. While parents generally are smarter than their little offspring running around half their age, they still are human and sinners…just like you.
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A Hard Lesson
I think one of the hardest things that a single woman struggles with is the whole issue of security. It is a many-faceted problem, and one that we often think would be solved by getting married. “If only I had a husband, then I would have someone to take care of me, someone to share my burdens. If only I was married, I would have financial security, a place to live, someone to love me unconditionally, and someone else to just be in charge and make the decisions for me!”
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Lessons from Newborn Days
A few months ago, the Lord blessed our family with a healthy baby girl! Our little Emma has been a delightful addition to our home. Her newness hasn’t worn off yet, the big kids just love her to pieces! And as with each new addition, the Lord has taught me a few lessons, and reminded me of some old ones, too.
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Our Enemy
If your husband is in full-time service in some capacity, whether it be a pastor, assistant pastor, teaching in a Christian school, a missionary, etc., you can be sure of one thing—the devil does not like it and his desire is to destroy your ministry. This is also true for any Christian, no matter what kind of occupation you have. If you and your husband are trying to live for the Lord and serve Him with your life, the devil does not like it and he will do everything in his power to disrupt and destroy your life. Since this column is especially written for those who are serving in full-time Christian service, that is where I want to put my emphasis. But many of these truths apply to the lay person as well. Satan is your enemy—and his desire is to make you fall.
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Let it Be, Think on Me
In John chapter 5, we read of another miracle of Jesus Christ. The setting was the pool of Bethesda, a place of miracles as an angel came at a certain season to trouble the water which would heal the person who first jumped into the pool. As one could imagine, the area was always crowded with all sorts of infirm folks, waiting for that troubling of the water. Jesus came by one day and in His infinite wisdom and knowledge of all hearts, spoke to one man in particular.
Is It Well With Your Soul?
My soul is in search of rest; and I am aware of a desperate longing and frantic searching for that rest. Offers abound within a single thought’s grasp, within the glance of an eye, or perchance a seemingly harmless diversion, but none, yea none, can soothe the anxious wrestlings of my eternal soul. Praise the Lord it has known rest. It has been enveloped in its comforting assurance. And though it is foolishly drawn away, it yearns for a return.
The University of Hard Knocks
Ralph Parlette has thrilled audiences across America with his message from the University of Hard Knocks. He has lectured four thousand times on the basic fundamental principles of living which have made a people strong, and a nation great. He fortified his listeners for the struggles of life. This is the type of book that will help all people, young and old, as they face the stress and strain of life.
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In His Name
You may wonder why a Christian has a heart of love;
And why, when giving time to others, they thank God above?
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Peanut Butter Cup Brownies
“I made the recipe one evening after work, and it took about an hour to turn out a batch of 4 dozen brownie bites, which were gone within 24 hours! Since then, I’ve made at least 5 other batches, each time they were big hits”. After sharing a batch with co-workers and guests, at the hotel where Amanda works, she had a guest ask for the recipe! “She couldn’t believe how easy they were when I explained how to make them!”
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You’re All Wet
Water. Most of our body and the earth is made up of it. Water is basic to life. In geometry proofs, it’s a given. The Lord uses our daily need of it to pattern our spiritual daily need. Although the spiritual applications are many, our physical intake of water is one of the best habits you can add to your lifestyle.
Help! I’m on board, but they’re not!
You’ve decided to become a better steward of what you have. You’ve got your coupons clipped, shopping list ready, pantry organized, and you are on a quest to save money on your grocery bill! One small problem. The rest of the household is not. For instance, your husband insists upon drinking soda as his only beverage and your kids will only eat one brand of cereal. Don’t they know that water is free and any old cereal will do!? Here are a couple of tips to bridge the gap between you and your frugal unawares.