When I was fourteen years old, I walked into the local trading stamp redemption center with great purpose and confidence. I was carrying twenty-eight completely filled books of trading stamps, the exact number required to purchase what I wanted—a brand-new fishing rod and reel. I proudly walked up to the clerk and said, “Here are ... Continue Reading

     Springtime in my father’s flower garden was always a joyous sight for me as a child. I especially enjoyed watching the brightly colored butterflies flitter among the fragrant, sunbathed flowers. The butterflies looked so free, and that inspired me to think about how I could be free, living the way they did with every need ... Continue Reading

     Growing up and learning about the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, I often wondered what it would have been like to live during his earthly ministry and to be there as one of his followers. How wonderful it would have been to hear Jesus teach the “Sermon on the Mount” or to witness firsthand ... Continue Reading