"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men." (Colossians 3:23) I had spent much of the week cleaning. It was very hot. We were having the group of people over for a barbecue. Because of the heat, it seemed better to serve the food in the garage rather than on the hot sundeck. So I washed down the walls,...

It was almost time to leave for lunch with my friend Louretha. I looked out the window. The soft spring rain still drizzled down. I'd definitely get damp cutting the roses. "Wait inside a minute, Abby," I said. "I'm going out to get a little bouquet to take with us." "I want to go with you! I want to go with you!" Abby wailed. So I bundled...

Have you ever given a gift that you spent hours creating and fine-tuning until it was just right? Or found a beautiful card with just the right sentiment for that special person? Have you ever given these kinds of things and been disappointed when you don't receive even a word of thanks? No matter which way you choose to give a gift, it comes from...

No matter how beautiful or warm a church building, it cannot match the intimacy and comfort a home offers. God wants us to surrender our residences to Him because He wants to use our resources to introduce people to Him, then lead them to the church. I (Barbara) like what my husband, Howard, says about our role in witnessing: "The Lord never told...

Use your home I have learned through the years that there is no right plan, no perfect strategy to reach people. Each person is unique, and everyone needs the love, care and concern that fits his or her personality and situation. Meeting these needs is accomplished only when God uses someone who lives under His control and is willing to do His...

Someone has said: "It is not enough for a gardener to love flowers; he must also hate weeds." Tell me about it. Boy, do I hate those weeds in my garden. I see my poor, little flowers being choked and smothered and I just want to yank out those nasty weeds and shake them and . . . and . . . well, some of them are too hard so I just leave them there....

It was her dream house. Flagstone fireplaces, hardwood floors, spacious rooms decorated in soft neutrals and tone variations. There was no need for curtains. The sprawling bungalow was secluded on a private estate. Poplars, fir trees, and flowering bushes were all one could see through the gracefully arched windows. She had planned every detail....