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Banta, Steve Bertel, Daniel Bobinski, Rick Chromey, Roxanne Drury, Joan Endicott, Doug Hanson, Leo Hellyer, Rosie Main, Bethany Riehl, and Janet Thompson
It’s a new year, but God is still with us
By Sandy Jones
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. – Romans 8:28 NIV
2025. It sounds so futuristic, and yet, here it is. 2025.
I remember as a young girl I was unable to even comprehend the 2020’s. My father was a fan of science fiction, and we all just knew that by the 2020’s cars would all fly, and we’d all have robots as staff in our homes.
Perhaps one too many episodes of The Jetsons. And here we are – 2025.
Cars still drive on the ground, and these computers that were supposed to simplify our lives, seem to have only further complicated them, by allowing us to multitask, and work so much faster, that we can continue to just take on more and more. I recently heard of a restaurant in Oregon that has robots as wait staff, but outside of that and my robo-vac, I don’t know anyone who has a maid named Rosey either.
You know what else is the same?
God.
Sandy Jones
God remains the same steadfast Creator and Heavenly Father that He’s always been.
Jesus, His son, remains just as full of grace and mercy as He showed the thief on the cross that day all those centuries ago; and He’s still the Great Intercessor between us and God. (See John 1:1)
And the Holy Spirit is still here, guiding us day in and day out…. If I’d only learn to listen more closely to His leadings.
Yes, the Trinity is still the same today.
No matter how much things change, I find peace in knowing that these things, the really important things, continue to be the same.
On November 13, 2023 our lives changed forever. That’s the day we found out my husband, Steve, has cancer. The next 10 days were an absolute whirlwind of activity, as seemingly bad news only got worse.
As in other really bad times in life I found myself clinging to Romans 8:28 – where we are promised And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him…
You might ask why. Why cling to this one verse? Because in the past decade, since He literally spoke it into my mind, He’s given me a front row seat to watch miracle after miracle happen.
Is His answer always “yes”? Or do things always turn out the way I want them to? No to both, but what has been true, is that He has carried me through those times, and often when I thought I knew what was best for me, as a great Father, He truly knew what was best for me, and what I really needed.
Is it easy? Nope. Sometimes not even a bit, but that’s when I turn to my other life verse:
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. – Phil. 4:13 NKJV
All things. Not some. Not a few, but ALL.
Some people have a word for the year each year. I marvel at that. At how deep they look into themselves and the intentional steps towards growth they take to improve in that area.
I have not ever found one word for myself. I’ve tried, honest I have. Instead I find that year after year I place my hope in the New Year in these two verses; and I’m good with that. They’ve never failed me. I’ve continued to grow, personally, professionally and, most importantly, spiritually.
This New Year is no different than any other for me – my prayerful goal is to grow closer to The Lord; to go deeper in my prayer life; and to hear, even more clearly, the call He’s placed on my life, and to joyfully answer that call.
Happy New Year my friend – may we do all we can to bring glory and honor to Him.
Until next time…
God Bless! n
You know what else is the same? The fine folks who support us by advertising with us – they still need us to return the favor and support them, so please frequent our advertisers and thank them for supporting the ministry of Christian Living Magazine.
HAPPY ‘25
Some resolutions worth keeping this year
By Bethany Riehl
Are you a New Year’s resolutions maker? How about a New Year’s resolutions keeper, which is drastically different than the former? I, myself, am a lover of lists and plans…and not so much at keeping to said lists and plans. It could be because I cram every little thing I want to change or try or accomplish onto a list the last week of December, then expect myself to conquer it all by the end of January and do it perfectly. Sounds reasonable, right?
I have learned over the years what many, many productivity books, blogs, and articles have been saying for longer than I’ve been alive: if you want to see change in your life, start small and stay consistent. I would add one more vital detail – seek the Lord and ask for His help.
“And this is the confidence that we have toward Him that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of Him” (1 John 4:14,15).
In light of that, I’m going to miraculously finish the book I’ve been working on, conquer my dependence on queso, lose X amount of weight, and have my life perfectly organized all by Jan. 8, 2025, right? Oh, and if I just pray and ask, God will give me a Jeep Wrangler (because, yes, that is my dream car).
Well…that’s the danger of taking one verse and using it to make an argument for something. This isn’t about making a list of requests to the Lord and standing with our hands out, waiting for Him to deliver.
There are many things in life that we can’t be sure of and many, many prayers and requests we can offer to the Lord, not truly knowing how we ought to pray because we don’t know God’s will. But there are even more areas that we can be sure of.
“Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God; and whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do what pleases Him. And this is His commandment, that we believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as He has commanded us. Whoever keeps His commandments abides in God and God in him” (1 John 3:21-24a).
Keeping the commandments of God, walking in the Light as He is in the Light, loving one another as He loves, are not the way of salvation. Only Jesus, living a perfect life and dying as our substitute, saves us. But our response to that amazing grace is naturally to walk after Him. If we want to succeed in life in the only ways that matter, we must take up our cross and follow after Him. As we look to Him to guide us in the new year, there are absolutes that we can count on Him fulfilling in us. Every command He gives – to love one another (1 John 4:7), put to death the deeds of the flesh (Colossians 3), work heartily as for the Lord (Colossians 3), to have peace and let the Word dwell richly in us (Colossians 3), etc., etc. are all prayers you can “take to the bank” as my pastor likes to say. If He has commanded it, He will provide the will and way to grow in these areas as we pray and seek Him for help.
Continued on page 7
Bethany Riehl
ENCOURAGING Words Changes and healing are
By Daniel Bobinski
Editor’s note: This column introduces a new topic by its author: Encouraging Words.
The new year has started. In fact, you’ve probably noticed there’s lots of “new” going on around us. And I have a few new things to share with you, as well.
Long-time readers of Christian Living Magazine know I’ve been writing for this publication for a while. In fact, it’s been more than 10 years. I started by writing columns on a variety of topics that I felt led to address. Then, five years ago, I began a multi-year series on the topic of agape love, examining each aspect of love that the Apostle Paul listed in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. Then I spent a few years exploring symbolism in Scripture.
But now, with 2025 upon us, I feel led to address spiritual issues I believe are important to heal and empower the Body of Christ. I’m sensing, along with many fellow believers I know, that God is about to do something big – not just in the United States, but throughout the world.
One reason for this belief is because I see God stirring people to search for truth. One tangible reason for saying that is because Bible sales are WAY up. Even secular publications are noticing the phenomenon. A December 2024 article in Fortune magazine pointed out that the number of Bibles sold in this country increased 46.4% from 2019 through 2023. The article states, “In 2019, Americans bought 9.7 million Bibles. Last year, that number jumped to 14.2 million. And in the first 10 months of this year, the number has already hit 13.7 million.”
That last number shows that the increasing sales trend is continuing. According to Circana BookScan data, Bible sales in the United States were up 22% through the end of October 2024 compared to the same period in 2023 (the latest data available as of this writing). These numbers are even more dramatic when one realizes that in the same 12-month period (Oct 2023 through Oct 2024), the increase for all print book sales across the board was less than 1%. Simply stated, it’s become obvious that God is now actively drawing more people to Himself.
This trend has been noted by many other believers, such as Christian author, speaker, and radio host Eric Metaxas. Not too long ago, Metaxas wrote, “In a world increasingly characterized by darkness, the light of Christ is shining brighter and drawing people to seek answers in Scripture.”
Last year, Mark Cowart, senior pastor of Church for All Nations in Colorado Springs and host of the weekly TV show, “Victorious Faith,” stated that he sees God already moving to draw in a multitude of new believers. In May of 2024, Cowart said, “The last great move of God has already started. I believe that so much of what you have gone through in the last several years and even decades will soon begin to make a great deal of sense. There is a mighty Army of
God Rising, and it is my prayer that you will join the ranks.”
Cowart’s prayer is important. Allow me to quote the Apostle Paul, writing in Romans 10:14-15.
“How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’”
I know not everyone is called to evangelize, but God equips every believer with skills to contribute to the building of the Body of Christ. Now is the time for those skills to be used!
As for me, one thing I’m doing now is joining author Cherie Sheridan in a twice-weekly podcast called “Heal the Broken Hearted with Cherie Sheridan.” The show can be found on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Buzzsprout, and iHeartRadio. It can also be found on YouTube, Rumble, BitChute, and Substack. To find the show, simply search for that title on any of those platforms. New shows are posted twice weekly.
The reason I’m doing this show with Cherie is because so many believers I know (both men and women) are carrying emotional scars and burdens that weigh them down, and I want to see them set free from that. In other words, people might be saved by the blood of the Lamb and be guaranteed eternal life with God, but here on Earth those emotional wounds can weigh heavy. Emotional wounds from our past – even going back to childhood – can inhibit our ability to allow God to love others through us.
Allow me to recommend listening to the podcast.
Another recommendation I’d like to make is reading the book “Power in Praise” by Merlin R. Carothers. This 1972 book is not about corporate praise and worship, it’s a book about prayer, and believe me when I tell you it transformed how I pray. If a move of God is going to realize optimal impact for bringing people to Him, us believers will need to be praying for it.
Bottom line, we need to remember that Satan loves to take what is beautiful and ruin it, but God loves to take that which has been ruined and make it beautiful once again. It’s never a bad time to turn to God and say, “How can I best be used by You today?”
God will use us if we die to self (surrender to Him) and make ourselves available. We may need to get healed of some emotional wounds to be more effective for His kingdom. We may need to pray more effectively. But one thing is sure: God wants to use each of us for His glory. Are you willing? n
Daniel Bobinski, Th.D., is an award-winning and best-selling author and a popular speaker at conferences and retreats. Reach him at danielbobinski@protonmail.com or (208) 649-6400.
Daniel Bobinski
Happy ‘25
Continued from page 5
Please allow me to share an example of this in my own life. About two years ago, I felt convicted to memorize more Scripture. I asked the Lord for help, and put in the work I knew would be required to obey. It was genuinely hard work as first, and still is at times. But each time I felt discouraged if I couldn’t get a verse to stick, or when I felt myself begin to lose the passion for the discipline, I would be reminded of how great God’s power and love is to help us seek after Him and grow in holiness. Since then, I’ve been able to commit 1 John, two chapters from Colossians, several Psalms, and the first seven chapters of Mark to memory.
This is all a work of the Lord.
And in the last few months, I’m beginning to see the effects of just this one discipline play out in my life. As I’ve asked for His help to memorize these verses, I’ve also asked that He would carve them on my heart. I can see that He is graciously, mercifully doing so. It’s been incredible to experience.
As we vacuum up the pine needles and glitter, clean out our fridges and make room in the closets for Christmas gifts, let us turn to the Lord, asking Him to lead us in the new year. A focus on exercise, organization, budgets, and healthy relationships are all important and even biblical and they are absolutely goals worth pursuing and making a part of your resolutions. But maybe we can take a good thing – exercise, for example – and ask the Lord how He would
have you honor Him with it. Do you really need to be sculpted and aim for a summer bod? Or would a habit of healthy pursuits (wholesome diet and daily movement) to tell your body that you’re in submission to the Lord be a better way to go about it?
Instead of reading X number of books, what if we aim to commit Scripture to memory?
Instead of setting boundaries in relationships, maybe you could pray about any relationships where you need to offer forgiveness and grace alongside healthy boundaries.
This year, with our eyes on the Lord, one prayer and goal at a time, maybe we can avoid that slump that comes at the end of January when our lives go back to same old same old. This side of heaven, we will never be perfect. But we can keep walking forward, eyes on Jesus, knowing that He who calls us is faithful to help us keep walking, and seeking, and asking.
“And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6). n
Bethany Riehl lives in the Treasure Valley with her husband, three kids, and a dog. She writes articles and fictional novels when she can, and her one desire is to point others to the love and sufficiency of Jesus Christ.
Photo by Polina Kovaleva-Pexels
Make your body healthy again in 2025
By Janet Thompson
During the election, you might’ve heard the slogan “Make America Healthy Again.” I have a trucker’s hat with that slogan on it, and people often stop me to say, “I love your hat!” While we were on vacation, I even had a radiologist tell me how happy he was that soon government officials will be taking steps to eliminate additives and unhealthy ingredients in our food, especially processed foods. I’m a huge proponent of reading all labels. If there’s more than five ingredients, or ingredients you don’t recognize, don’t buy it or eat it. Fresh is always best. Today, you might be contemplating starting 2025 with some resolutions or goals regarding your own health. I hope so because as your health goes, so goes many of your activities and quality of life. Good health doesn’t just happen. It takes diligence and work, but the rewards are life changing and life prolonging. Over the past months in this Nutrition Nook column, I’ve given you lots of ideas for improving your eating and exercise habits. But reading what to do and actually doing them, as you know, are two different things.
I thought in this column, I would give you some of my ideas on goal setting for the New Year, and then you can pray about how to apply them to your life. Maybe it won’t be in the area of diet or health . . . maybe there’s some other area of life you would like to improve. My husband’s and my anniversary is December 19, which coincides nicely for writing goals for the upcoming year. We’ve made this a practice for going on 33 years. We review how we did with the past year’s goals as we set new ones for the upcoming year. It’s helped us maintain, spiritual, physical, and marital growth in our relationship and personal lives.
Here are tips for achieving a healthier you that are applicable for any goal setting.
1. Set Realistic Goals: Thirty-three years ago, my husband’s doctor wanted him to weigh 210 pounds on his 6 ft. 4 in. body. He hasn’t weighed 210 since he was a young man. He was able to achieve between 215 and 220 for a while, but with age, was up to 230 plus. Then this past year he had spinal surgery and dropped 17 pounds. I think 215 is healthy for him, but he’s happy at 220. So we’ll probably settle with somewhere in the middle and he’ll change some eating habits and exercise more to maintain a healthier weight. 210 is not a realistic goal for him.
Successful weight maintenance depends on a food intake you’re willing to maintain daily for a lifetime. Drastic diets that drop weight quickly are never maintainable unless you’re willing to eat that diet forever. So set a healthy attainable weight loss or maintenance goal you can live with daily.
A good spiritual goal is reading your Bible daily. A devotional or online reading plan can help you stay consistent. Maybe it’s reading a Scripture a day, or I like to read the Bible in a year using The Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) “Bible in a Year” plan. Daily Walk or YouVersion.com also has excellent Bible reading plans. I vary the translation every year to keep it fresh. In 2024, I listened to the Bible using the CBN audio app. If reading the Bible in a year seems overwhelming, remember realistic goals are more attainable than those that sound good but will be too difficult to maintain, so maybe just start with reading a Proverb a day.
2. Set Measurable Goals: We have scales in our bathroom and I weigh myself every morning. For me, it’s important to know if I’m going up a few pounds because then I know I need to cut back right away. My husband likes to get on “occasionally,” but he does weigh himself so he’ll know if he’s staying between 215 and 220. You can also sense how you’re doing by how your clothes fit. Losing weight usually means you’ll be buying smaller sizes. If your clothes still fit or are getting snug and you’re trying to lose weight, you don’t need
scales to tell you it’s time to adjust your diet.
One year I was writing a new book with a short deadline and even though I had set an annual goal to read the Bible in a year, I was only able to read half the Bible that year. So I read the second half the next year. Sometimes you need to adjust your goal and give yourself grace, but don’t give up entirely.
3. Set Maintainable Goals: I prepare our meals so I know what my husband is eating, but if he wants to stay on the lower weight range, he needs to add exercise, also good for his heart. So we joined the gym since he’s not able to walk the mountain terrain where we live. That’s something he has agreed to do, but he has to go to the gym after he joins it. Are you laughing because so many people join a gym, especially at the beginning of a new year, pay the money, and after a few months, stop going. Setting a goal is only as good as your follow through.
We find having a schedule works best for us, so our friends and family all know at 4 p.m. after my writing day on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, we can be found at the gym. We’re flexible to adjust those days if something comes up, but our goal is to go at least three times a week. I walk on the other days.
Here’s my best recommendation for goal setting. Don’t say you’ll “try” to do something because that just gives you an escape clause for not committing to or achieving it.
The Bible says, “All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.” Matt. 5:37
Let me give you a couple examples of why try doesn’t convey commitment:
• Would you marry a spouse who says they will “try” to keep his or her marriage vows?
• Would you get on a plane with a pilot who says he or she will “try” to get you to your destination?
• Would you go into surgery with a surgeon who says he or she will “try” to pull you through alive?
• Would you get in a car when the mechanic said he “tried” to fix the brakes?
Okay, I think you get my point. Don’t set goals you’re going to “try” to maintain. If you don’t think you’re going to do them, then set something more doable. Now I know some of you are thinking, “Well isn’t that setting the bar too low?” Would you rather get over the bar and feel successful or give up because you keep coming in under the too overwhelming bar? Once you know you can do it, then by all means, set the next goal a little higher and go for it!
4. Set Purposeful Goals: No one really follows through on something they don’t see as having value or purpose. So before you set any goals, determine why you’re setting them.
• Why do you want to lose weight?
• Why do you want to exercise more?
• Why do you want to eat healthier and what would that look like?
• Why do you want to take better care of your skin?
• Why do you want to drink more water and fewer soft drinks or alcohol or coffee?
• Why do you want to read your Bible more and spend less time in front of the TV or computer?
• Why do you want to spend more time with your children or spouse?
• Why do you want to pray more?
Nothing will happen for the long term until you can answer why doing it is meaningful to you. Not meaningful to your doctor, your spouse, or even your kids. They’ll all benefit and be the receptor of the blessings of your goals . . . but you must determine the importance if you’re going to keep at it even when it gets hard.
Janet Thompson
I pray that whatever God puts on your heart for 2025, He will plant it so deep that nothing can uproot it until He has finished the work He planned in and for you. Happy Blessed New Year and New You!
And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. – Philippians 1:6 NLT
We eat a vegetable or salad or both almost every night for dinner. A favorite is the following green bean recipe. You know you have a hit when guests are raving about your green beans! n
Janet Thompson, award-winning Christian speaker, freelance author, and author of 20 books, is also the founder, director, and God’s servant of Woman to Woman Mentoring Ministry and About His Work Ministries. Her passion and focus is mentoring the next generation. Her tag line is, “Sharing Life Experiences and God’s Faithfulness.” She has a BS in Food Administration, MBA, and Master of Arts in Christian Leadership. Check out her books and sign up for her free weekly online blog and monthly newsletter at womantowomanmentoring.com. Join her on www.facebook.com/Janetthompson. authorspeaker, LinkedIn, Pinterest, X, and Instagram.
Janet’s Famous Green Beans
½ cup sliced almonds
1 lb. fresh green beans washed and stemmed
2 cups fresh mushrooms washed and thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic minced
3 Tbsp. olive oil
2 Tbsp. sesame oil
3 Tbsp. soy sauce (can use low sodium or I use Coconut Aminos Seasoning from Trader Joe’s)
Steam the green beans until tender, about 25 minutes. While green beans are cooking, toast the almonds in a frying pan stirring continually. Set the toasted almonds aside and in the same pan, heat the olive oil and sesame oil then add the garlic and mushrooms. Cook and stir about 3 minutes until the garlic browns and the mushrooms are cooked through. Add the drained steamed green beans and soy sauce or coconut aminos. Stir to combine. Top with the toasted almonds and serve.
REAL Man’s Toolbox
New year, new challenges, new opportunities
By Leo Hellyer
Well, here we are. The momentous year of 2025 is upon us. As we embark on this new year, our attitudes will have a significant impact on how the year goes. I fully understand that things happen that we have no control over, but we do have control over how we respond to them.
The year brings us not just a new calendar but a newness in politics, the economy, business, immigration, laws, relationships, international stability, and sports, just to name a few aspects of our lives. As we face changes, challenges, and opportunities, we will be much more successful if we remember that we do not encounter these facets of life alone.
As Christians, we must always remember what God speaks to us in Scripture as we travel through our daily lives. There are many verses that speak to the fact that we do not face anything alone.
We read in Deuteronomy 31:6, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Psalm 23:4 states, “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me: your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
In Matthew 28:20, Jesus Himself says, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Not only are we not alone to proceed through life in the spiritual realm, but we do not need to carry everything on our shoulders alone in the temporal or secular realm. As Christians we should each have people around us in our circle of relationships who are eager to come alongside of us as we live our lives.
As we enter any endeavor, there is strength in numbers. Biblically, we read in Ecclesiastes 4:12, “And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart.”
Let me take you on an informational detour for a brief time. Many people around the world, spread over 157 countries, read Christian Living Magazine. Of these people, worldwide, presumably, the vast majority are Christians, Christ followers. Just ponder for a little while the impact readers of Christian Living Magazine, throughout the world, could have on this entire planet if we would unite in the factual beliefs that we have been talking about in this one column, in this one edition of Christian Living Magazine. If we can agree that “We face nothing alone, God is with us through everything” and “A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart,” we can have a huge impact on countries worldwide. This could give an entirely new meaning to the term “United Nations.”
Wouldn’t it be awesome if Christians (Christ followers) worldwide could agree on one all-encompassing tenant: “Let’s concentrate on our commonalities and not our differences.”
Now that is a gargantuan goal, right? How could that ever come to fruition? Well, it starts at the foundation, the cornerstone. It starts in the hearts of individual men and women. It moves to small groups, then congregations, then cities, then nations, magazines with worldwide ministry to believers, and on and on. Let us not forget, it begins with individuals, individual faith and obedience, individual servanthood, individual humility, and individual courage.
Let us remember that in the scope of eternity, the things that we stress over, a lot of the things that we fret about, a lot of the things that affect our health and enjoyment of life, mean nothing in eternity. These things are just a blink of an eye. There are things around us to distract us from what is true, and important, and lasting. Yes, there are things that press us, that we must deal with, but we cannot let these things of the world affect, challenge, or diminish our relationship with God the Creator, our Savior Jesus Christ, or the Holy Spirit.
We live in a lost world where people are searching for the truth. Some people are searching in all the wrong places. Let us be blazing searchlights that can direct people to the truth: the saving truth of the gospel.
Let us make 2025 the year that the faithful, the Christians, the Christ followers come out of our cocoons, our caves, our protective bubbles, our hushed voices, and rock the foundations of this world. Once again, remember we start in our own bubble, we start the fire where we are and watch it grow. Let us make sure that we are not “lukewarm.” Let us make sure that if there were a trial to convict us of being a Christian that the jury would unanimously come to a guilty verdict. Let everyone of us do what we can to prove that ‘God Is Not Dead!’
We have the power to make 2025 a glorious, wonderful, magnificent year of love and compassion. Let us help the world, starting right where we are; experience the ‘Unconditional Love of God Almighty through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.’
Seek the truth, seek like-minded believers, and stretch your faith. Put feet to your faith. All of us must be open to what God would have us do, to clearly show His love to those He brings across our path. n
Leo Hellyer is a non-staff pastor with a local church and has been married to his wife Norma for 50 years. The couple volunteered with the Boise FamilyLife Ministry Team for 20 years. Leo has also been serving with Boise Rescue Mission Ministries for more than 20 years and is currently serving at the River of Life Rescue Mission. He is president and chief firearms instructor with Helping Hands Firearms Training LLC. If you have questions about Real Man’s Toolbox, or need other assistance, he may be reached at silverplate426@msn.com or (208) 340-5544.
Leo Hellyer
HISTORY, Culture and Faith
A president and a preacher brought back faith
By Dr. Rick Chromey
Most Americans know Dwight D. Eisenhower as a soldier, commander, president.
Eisenhower’s leadership of the D-Day invasion (June 6, 1944) changed the war for the Allies. His “I Like Ike” slogans and television ads reimagined political campaigns. And his eight-year presidency remains highly ranked by historians.
However, Eisenhower’s personal faith is strangely overlooked.
Eisenhower professed Christianity throughout his life. His highly religious family held compulsory Bible studies twice a day. The young Ike also attended a Brethren church with his family but eventually grew beyond his Mennonite heritage. Since Eisenhower was never baptized, he owed no allegiance to any church.
Nevertheless, his faith in God remained through his war years.
During the “Happy Days” of the 1950s, Eisenhower presided over a post-war America featuring interstate highways, rockets and cookie cutter suburbs. He prioritized civil rights for Black Americans and technological advancement. The “nifty Fifties” proved a decade of unfettered prosperity and tidy “Father Knows Best” lifestyles mixed with duck-and-cover nuclear fears and rock ‘n’ roll.
In the 1950s, America rediscovered her roots. The nation experienced a Christian revival that blossomed into the 1970s and 1980s via the Jesus and megachurch movements. In 1940 less than half of Americans were church members (49%). But during the 1950s America returned to church...in droves.
Including Eisenhower.
Only ten days after his inauguration (February 1, 1953), the new president was baptized into the National Presbyterian Church, creating a transformative moment for man and nation.
Melding Faith and America’s identity. Eisenhower believed to be an American meant a belief in God. In fact, atheism was the religion of Communism, and he vowed to stop and end the “Red Menace.” With his Christianity emboldened, he modeled how Christian leaders prioritized prayer. He prayed openly in public (including prior to his inaugural address). He opened Cabinet meetings with silent prayer. And started the National Prayer Breakfast.
On February 7, 1954, President Eisenhower gave a White House radio address for an American Legion initiative called “Back to God.” The former soldier and commander told his troops: ... I am delighted that our veterans are sponsoring a movement to increase our awareness of God in our daily lives... All the history
of America bears witness to this truth. Out of faith in God, and through faith in themselves as His children, our forefathers designed and built this Republic... Today as then, there is need for positive acts of renewed recognition that faith is our surest strength, our greatest resource. 1
Billy Graham Joins Ike’s Army. Moses had Aaron. Luther had Melanchthon. If Ike was going to move America “Back to God” he needed a mouthpiece.
Enter the Rev. Billy Graham.
The fiery young evangelical preacher became a household name in 1949, after his Los Angeles revival meeting attracted national media coverage. During the 1950s, Graham was a fixture on radio and television. And that caught Ike’s eye.
In 1954 Eisenhower invited Graham to be his White House spiritual advisor. It’s the same year Congress approved the insertion of “under God” in our national Pledge and affixing “In God We Trust” to U.S. paper currency. When Graham wasn’t in the White House, he was traveling throughout America preaching revivals...and sensing something new.
Graham wrote Eisenhower that his “constant references to spiritual needs and faithful attendance at church have done much to help in the spiritual awakening that is taking place throughout the nation.” 2
The Devolution of America. When Eisenhower left office in 1961, church membership stood at 69% (up 12% since 1950). Three in four Americans (73%) attended religious services and 93% believed in God. It’s never been that high since.
The 1950’s culture reflected Judeo-Christian values. Over 85 Top 40 religious songs in the 1950s alone were released.3 Americans packed cinemas for movies like Ben Hur, The Robe and The Ten Commandments. Nearly every social disorder indicator was low, including public (and media) profanity, crime and divorce (2-3%). In every state, abortion was illegal. Most adults (72%) were married.
In 1955, Eisenhower offered this ominous warning to Americans: “If the State gives rights, it can – and inevitably will – take away those rights. Without God, there could be no American form of government, nor an American way of life. Recognition of the Supreme Being is the first – the most basic – expression of Americanism.” 4
Two years after Eisenhower left office, a rogue Supreme Court, without legal precedent, ruled it unconstitutional for American public schools to use non-sectarian prayers and Bible readings for
its moral curriculum (even though most U.S. communities wanted them practiced).
The State removed the right...starting with the children.
Since that ruling, America devolved as a culture. Between 19601970, violent crime increased 126%. By the 1990s profanity and alternative lifestyles normalized while churches stagnated and closed. During the 00’s and 10’s America became more angry, disrespectful, perverse, irreligious, hateful, hurtful, addicted, suicidal, bankrupt and lost.
Despite their control of America’s social, educational and entertainment institutions, the secularist, hedonist and atheist contributed little to change America for the good.
It’s why Eisenhower knew this battle for America’s soul required a Higher Power:
Dr. Rick Chromey
“Each day we must ask that Almighty God will set and keep His protecting hand over us so that we may pass on to those who come after us the heritage of a free people, secure in their God-given rights and in full control of a Government dedicated to the preservation of those rights.” 5
Like the Founding Fathers, Eisenhower recognized America’s constitutional liberties hinge upon our religious faith. If we forget God, or worse ignore and denounce Him, the foundations fail with the fury of an invading army that has no mercy.
In the 1950s it took a president and a preacher to help America rediscover this truth. What will it take for our generation? n
Dr. Rick Chromey is an author, historian and theologian who speaks and writes on matters of religion, culture, history, technology and leadership. He’s available to speak at your church or Christian school on American history, apologetics and comparative religions. Readers are also invited to scan the code below to subscribe to Rick’s daily Morning MANNA! inspirational email. www.mannasolutions.org.
Sources:
1 Dwight D. Eisenhower, Remarks Broadcast as Part of the American Legion “Back to God” Program. February 7, 1954. Online by Gerhard Peters and John T. Woolley, The American Presidency Project: https:// www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/remarks-broadcast-part-theamerican-legion-back-god-program
2 “How Dwight Eisenhower Found God in the White House” by William I. Hitchcock; History.com (March 20, 2018; Updated May 10, 2023). https:// www.history.com/news/eisenhower-billy-graham-religion-in-god-we-trust?f bclid=IwY2xjawG87rABHR7vIuK2N2z-a0__52OVKV2gyT5O8lHRNJdH 4qXSqpgAlTKN2YtKjHPQeA
3 Songs like “Crying in the Chapel” by the Orioles (#1, 1953), “Peace in the Valley” by Elvis Presley (#39, 1957) and “The Three Bells” by The Browns (#1, 1959). See “Chart-topping Singles about Faith...Through the Decades” by Goldmine (August 2022): https://www.goldminemag.com/ music-history/the-chart-topping-singles-about-faith-inspiration-and-hopethrough-the-decades
4 Dwight D. Eisenhower, Remarks Recorded for the “Back-to-God” Program of the American Legion. February 20, 1955. Online by Gerhard Peters and John T. Woolley, The American Presidency Project: https:// www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/remarks-recorded-for-the-back-godprogram-the-american-legion
5 Ibid.
OPEN ‘The Book’ God speaks to you — are you listening?
By Roxanne Drury
In my life as a Christian, sad to say, there have been times that I neglected God’s Word. Distractions, busyness, and not understanding its value were the culprits I allowed to control this particular part of my life. I knew that I needed to get back to a regular rhythm of reading the Word. I knew that God gave us His Word for a reason. I knew there was value in reading the Bible and that it could change a life. But I failed to open The Book. I was struggling and desperate after I retired. I was searching for answers about what God wanted from me and for me in this new season. In my desperation, I turned to the Bible. Why is it that we wait until we are desperate to look to God and His Word? I landed in Luke 2. At about verse 36, I read, “There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old...” I stopped there, taking notice, and said aloud to no one, “Wait a minute, I am very old.” I continued reading, “She had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshipped night and day, fasting and praying.” I continued reading and got to Luke 5:4-11 and read the message for me to “go deeper.” Luke 6:40, Luke 6:46-49, Luke 9:62: “Don’t look back.” Verse after verse I came across pointed me in the direction God wanted me to go – to His Word!
make. It is always available to us. All we have to do is open it and read it. The Holy Spirit will guide our reading and our steps, shining a light on what is crucial for us as we travel on our path of faith.
In the Bible, David was called a “man after God’s own heart.” David desired to meditate on God’s Word, day and night. In Psalm 119:97, David says, “Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long.” The Hebrew dictionary tells us that the word ‘meditate’ means devoted. David was devoted to God’s Word. He relied on it as his guide. He read it. He studied it. He memorized it.
Glancing across the page to Psalm 119:16, listen to what David said… “I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your Word.”
Tears streaming, “You want me to study Your Word!” I shouted. “That’s what You want from me.”
I could not neglect this valuable resource that He gave me (and you) one moment longer. I needed to follow David’s example and be devoted to these God-breathed words.
God has given us this fantastic tool that is true, relevant, and a guide for our lives in a book called The Holy Bible. It is the only book that takes us to the throne of God in a very real way.
How do we study God’s Word?
Turning to Psalm 119, as I read, verses 15, 23, 68, 78, 99, 117, 144, 148, 174, 33, 34, 35 – all with the same theme, were tugging at my heart. David’s commitment and devotion to studying God’s Word hit me like a lightning bolt; tears formed in my eyes. “Is this what You want from me, Lord?”
Here’s what I know:
Psalm 119:8 – “Your Word, O Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.”
• God’s Word is true.
2 Timothy 3:16 says it is God-breathed – meaning given by inspiration of God. God can’t lie. Old Testament prophecy fulfilled in the New Testament and even in our current day proves the Bible to be true.
Psalm 119:103 – “How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth.”
• God’s Word is relevant.
Sometimes, it is difficult to understand the Bible or find its relevance. But it is not our job to figure it out. The Holy Spirit steps in and helps us understand what God has for us in His Word, in His perfect timing.
Psalm 119:105 – “Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.”
• God’s Word is our guide for life.
Reading the Bible can help make a difference in the choices we
• Set a time and place for your reading. Invite the Holy Spirit into your reading as a guide.
• Remove all distractions.
• Commit to it. Be devoted to it.
• Read with an open mind and heart, expecting to learn what God has for you to discover.
We cannot, we must not neglect reading the Bible.
Now, here’s my No More Neglecting the Bible challenge:
1. If you are not already reading the Bible regularly, START.
2. If you read the Bible regularly, try living without it. You will learn for yourself just how valuable it is to you. I guarantee you will quickly miss it and be eager to return.
The end of my story is obedience. I registered to attend Bible Study Fellowship. We are studying the Book of Revelation, which is significant in these times. Was this God’s plan all along? Hmm? I wonder. My best guess is yes! I might not have ever known if I hadn’t opened The Book. n
Roxanne Drury is a wife, mother, grandmother, and retired Christian preschool teacher who served the Lord in children’s ministry for over 45 years. She has written a group study guide on Psalm 23, as well as other books. She may be reached at glorylandbooks@gmail.com.
Roxanne Drury
Life’s Kitchen
Serving up second chances
Guest Chef Branden, from St. Luke’s Health System in Nampa, taught Life’s Kitchen trainees how to make chicken marsala. Life’s Kitchen has guest chefs every Monday; they are from local businesses and restaurants and volunteer to teach Life’s Kitchen trainees a culinary class. (Photo provided by Life’s Kitchen)
By Steve Bertel
Proverbs 24:5 remind us: “A wise man is strong. And a man of knowledge strengthens his power …”
Young people today face a plethora of challenges: they may have a dysfunctional family life, they may have dropped out of school, they may be homeless or unemployed, they may be abuse victims, or they may even have a criminal record.
Life becomes even more difficult as they transition into the workforce. They may know what they want to do career-wise but, given their baggage, they find it an uphill battle – if not seemingly impossible – to achieve their goals and dreams.
That’s where Life’s Kitchen helps out.
Boise restaurateur Rory Farrow wanted to do more than just serve delicious meals to her customers. She had it in her heart to help at-risk teens and young adults who, because of their backgrounds,
were facing arduous tasks of adjusting to society. According to the Life’s Kitchen website, “Rory saw hundreds of Boise teenagers enter her restaurants as employees without the basic life skills necessary to become successful young adults. She found herself not only teaching them how to read a recipe and properly handle a knife, but also helping them find their first apartment, learn how to manage a budget, and develop other important skills required for economic independence.”
Rory heard about a program in Seattle that did just that – a program called Catalyst Kitchens. So, after meeting with its executive director and doing her own research and preparation, she opened Life’s Kitchen in Boise in 2003, modeled after the Seattle program.
“We are a social enterprise,” says Life’s Kitchen Executive Director Tammy Johnson. “Which means we are supported not only by private and public donations, but also through our businesses.”
chances to youth
The nonprofit agency is a unique three-in-one program: it’s a public restaurant (named Rory’s Café, in honor of its founder, and open Monday-Friday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.), a professional catering service, and an educational center where young people learn both job skills – mainly in food preparation -- and various valuable life skills. “About 53% of our funding comes from our businesses -- the restaurant and catering service,” Tammy points out. “The remainder comes through donations, grants, and corporate sponsorships.”
Some may remember that Life’s Kitchen was originally located on Capitol Boulevard in downtown Boise. “It was an old hotel on property owned by the City,” says Tammy. But, when city leaders announced plans to demolish the building as part of an urban improvement project, Life’s Kitchen needed to find a new home. “The city was very helpful and very kind in helping us relocate,” she remembers.
Today, Life’s Kitchen operates out of the former Marie Callender’s restaurant at 8574 W. Fairview Ave. in Boise, a restaurant the Life’s Kitchen folks renovated to fit their needs. “The move allowed us to really expand,” Tammy points out. “At the downtown location, we could only have five to seven young people per class. At our current and much larger location, we can have up to fifteen per class. Plus, the larger facility helped us to increase our real-world work experience and life skills training programs.”
Since its inception, Life’s Kitchen has provided some 600,000 hours of job-skill training to more than 950 young adults, and has provided more than 1.4 million meals to school-aged children, those participating in recovery programs, and community members in need. Or, as Tammy explains, “We have contracts to provide meals to children in the Boise School District, to two charter schools – Sage and Riverstone International Schools – as well as to Lifeways Psychiatric Hospital and The Allumbaugh House drug rehab center. Plus, we provide 1,000 full hot meals each week to Interfaith Sanctuary in Boise to help feed the homeless community.”
continue to produce meals for schools and community service agencies.
Then, in Phase 4, students participate in internships/job shadows at local restaurants or food service facilities, based on their employment goals and interests.
New classes start the second Wednesday of each month.
“We have about an 80% immediate job placement rate, which means our students – who range in age from 16 to 24 – find employment in their fields of interest about two weeks after they graduate,” Tammy points out. “Overall, we’re proud to say we have about a 90 to 95% job placement rate.”
Although many graduates find jobs in the local restaurant industry, some have utilized the skills they learned at Life’s Kitchen to land work in other fields. Plus, the nonprofit has a partnership with the Idaho Department of Labor whereupon, if a student qualifies, he or she can work at Life’s Kitchen and continue working toward their GED, while being paid.
‘Your choices do not make you who you are. It’s how you move forward and try to make better choices.’
So, between providing meals for its restaurant, catering service, and community members, “We produce a ton of food every day! In fact, we produce about 4,000 meals per week, including to schools and needy people. So it’s a bit daunting,” she chuckles.
The sixteen-week training program consists of four four-week modules, … “each building upon the previous one,” Tammy says. During the first month, students are taught the basics: safe food handling, sanitation, knife cutting techniques, and basic culinary theory. They also learn how to produce meals for the charitable organizations the Kitchen has partnered with.
Phase 2 consists of life skills classes to help students become more confident and self-sufficient, including financial literacy, healthy relationship skills, tenant rights and responsibilities, and effective resume writing. They’re also given additional training in high-quality food service.
The following month, trainees get hands-on experience in the restaurant by working both behind-the-scenes as line cooks in the kitchen, under the tutorage of the agency’s executive chef – and “out front” as servers, waiting on and interacting with paying customers, all while being mentored by the Kitchen’s café manager. Also, under guidance of the executive chef and chef instructors, students
For students who earlier dropped out of school – “65 to 70% of the young people who enter our program do not have their high school diplomas,” Tammy adds – Life’s Kitchen also offers a full GED program; a math tutor comes in twice a week and, through a partnership with the College of Western Idaho, students can study additional subjects like science and math.
When students successfully complete the sixteen-week program and receive their graduation certificates, they are not simply pushed out of the nest and forced to fly on their own; Life’s Kitchen has a support plan in place to help students who may encounter unexpected obstacles along their path, who may have lost their jobs or perhaps are even facing eviction, and need help getting back on their feet. Plus, graduates often return to Life’s Kitchen to help mentor and advise current students, or to simply hang out with fellow graduates who have become their close friends.
The organization’s motto is “Serving Second Chances.” “That was part of Rory’s model when she began the program,” Tammy says. “Because it’s really all about giving these kids a second chance. When many come into the program, they’re pretty broken. So we tell them, ‘Your choices do not make you who you are. It’s how you move forward and try to make better choices.’”
Tammy also feels Proverbs 24:5 best epitomizes the mission and work of Life’s Kitchen, in that, “We equip these young people with the skills they’ll need to give them the mental strength – the power –to become confident, productive, and successful in the real world.” n
Steve Bertel is a multi-award-winning professional radio, television, print media, and social media journalist, who retired after a 30-year broadcasting career. Now a busy freelance writer, he recently released his debut suspense novel, “Dolphins of an Unjust Sea”, available on both Amazon and Kindle. Steve and his wife of 42 years live in Meridian, Idaho. He can be reached at stevebertel65@gmail.com
Aiding, loving ‘the least of these’ in India
By Gaye Bunderson
How do missionaries save souls in a country where converting someone is against the law and open discussions about faith, Jesus and Christianity can bring retribution? Send Hope Now found a way: members don’t speak their beliefs, they demonstrate them.
Send Hope Now started out of Calvary Chapel Boise in 1989. In the late ‘80s, an Indian man named Guna grew up in a Christian orphanage in Bangalore run by a German family. In the orphanage, he came to faith and felt called to share the experience with others.
He later came to Boise in search of a half-sister, getting a job in a local flower shop while here. He delivered flowers to Calvary Chapel one day and a conversation ensued with church staff. The then-pastor of the church, a man named Bob, had traveled to India at the same time as Guna had come here. Bob was seeking to start a partnership with an organization in India as an outreach of the church. But God had sent the right person right to the church’s doorstep when Guna showed up.
As current executive director of Send Hope Now, Drew Brodien, explained it, “Bob flew back to Boise and he and Guna talked for a number of weeks, preparing for the ministry that ultimately became Send Hope Now.”
Guna flew back to India and started a church in Bangalore. The Boise church supported its Indian counterpart well at just $25 a month. It turned out to be a great investment. “That multiplied into three or four more churches. In 1992, we started our orphan care,” Brodien said.
Guna himself supported four orphans in his home.
“Over our 35-year history, 2,200 children have graduated from our homes. We currently support 530 children in our homes,” Brodien said. They support them until they are 18, but now they offer college options for them. “It costs $300 [per year] per child to go to college; 190 of them are now pursuing higher education.” Calvary Chapel Boise held a fundraiser in early November of 2023 – a Night of Hope Gala, Auction, and Dinner – and raised nearly $100,000 for more higher education options for more Indian orphans.
Today, Send Hope Now can sponsor kids in the orphanage for $70 a month or $840 a year.
Another component of Send Hope Now that launched in 2005 happened when Guna was approached at a train station by a dying mother who asked him to take her daughter in when she passed. Both mother and daughter were HIV positive and thus began a program of caring for the diseased. “It became a whole new sector of our organization,” Brodien said.
A Send Hope Now brochure reads: “This drastically changed the ministry as we became aware of hundreds of other HIV children who were turned away from government care because of social stigmas. With so many children on the streets in need of care, we raised funding to build our first ‘Home of Hope’ orphanage.”
In India, there are 11 states, 13 orphanages and, as stated, 530 people in SHN homes. Roughly half of them are HIV positive.
The staff of Send Hope Now navigates Indian culture. The population of 1,454,356,734 people is predominantly Hindu, making SHN a Christian organization working in a Hindu nation – but secretly so. The population of India recently surpassed China as the world’s most populated nation, so it’s ripe for conversion. However, according to Brodien, “One of the biggest sins in the Indian government’s eyes is converting to Christianity. Churches have been burned and people have been beaten.”
Only 2% of the population is Christian, and they largely worship covertly.
All the Send Hope Now pastors in India are native, not American. Brodien, who has traveled to the country, said, “I felt the Lord’s security; and we’ve been doing this for 35 years so we have wisdom about where we should go and what we should do.”
The thing that has opened doors for Send Hope Now is the compassion it shows orphans, widows, and those stricken with such diseases such as AIDS and leprosy. The local populations – and even the Indian government – seem grateful for the ministry’s presence.
Guna, at right, lived in an orphange in India as a child. He was exposed to Christianity during his time there and now devotes his life to informing others of the value of a relationship with Jesus. His wife Victoria, at left, ministers with him, and the couple’s three sons have joined them in working with a Boise nonprofit known as Send Hope Now. (Courtesy photo)
The country has anti-conversion laws, with northern India being “the least comfortable” with conversion messages.
Brodien explained that Guna’s son Heinrich – currently SHN Director in India – had this to say about his experiences in the northern part of the nation: “In northern towns, we went in and started churches and did some humanitarian work. In the beginning, people threw rocks at us; but now they’ve seen us supporting the community and they appreciate us – no more rocks. Now they wave at us.”
“There is so much need,” Brodien stated. “The people and the government accept us because we’re caring for the diseased and providing them with an education. We’ve planted 200 churches – house churches – and we evangelize through our provision programs. We give meal kits with nutrient-rich foods, we’re giving them schooling, and drilling wells.
“We build relationships, which gives us an opportunity to show the tangible love of Jesus. There’s a trickle effect; it’s an underground movement. We support people that others overlook. We get a level of respect, and ties into a government connection. It’s an odd dynamic, but we have a way of co-existing. We have to be very strategic in our way of evangelizing, but we have projects from the Himalayas to the southern tip of India.”
The donor base for Send Hope Now is nationwide in the U.S. Brodien stated: “In 2019, we became a 501(c)(3) non-profit and expanded our partnerships.” They partner with 20 U.S. churches, including some in New York, Colorado, and California. “We have 700 active donors, and we are looking for new partners.”
In 2023, donations totaled $1,713,404.
There are stories of courage in a land where the punishment for spreading the Christian faith can be severe. “The year 2020 was a heavy one for us,” Brodien said. “We were hosting a [faith-based
program] on Christmas day and someone contacted the government. The police came and were going to arrest the pastor, but the congregation of more than 80 people all stood up in unison and said, ‘If you’re going to take our pastor, you’re going to have to take us’. They showed courage and bravery in their faith.”
No one was arrested.
The work they do with HIV patients, widows, and others helps them proceed because the government is grateful for what they are doing for the lowest people in the population. “Some of the orphans have lost their parents, homes, and hope,” Brodien said. “But they found Jesus.”
Brodien said that seeing the religious practices of India gave him a new view of his homeland, the U.S. Cattle are deemed to have spiritual significance in the southern Asian country, with their sacred status traced back to Lord Krishna, a Hindu deity who is said to have once appeared as a cowherd. Monkeys are also revered there, as the populace believes they are a symbol of the monkey god Hanuman.
“We drove past a monkey temple,” Brodien said. What he witnessed were simians who almost seemed aware of their special status, behaving in a haughty way while eating the food people gave them as a spiritual gesture. “What is strange is that the animals are well-fed but the people are hungry. It gave me a new perspective on America. Many people don’t go to church, but the foundation of Christianity is still here.” n
Note: Guna married and had three sons, each with a German name: Ulrich, Frederick, and Heinrich. Guna remains involved with the ministry, as does his family; Heinrich (or Henry), for example, is mentioned in this article. For more information about Send Hope Now, go to sendhopenow.org.
Get T he Look Of Natur al Stone
Lessons from the book of Ecclesiastes
By Doug Hanson
I’ve been teaching a course on the Old Testament wisdom books at the Biblical Studies Center in Boise, Idaho. The wisdom books include Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon. Each book has theology to explore and guidance to live by, but Ecclesiastes has proven challenging in both areas.
The book begins with “Meaningless! Meaningless!” “Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless” (1:2). (I’m feeling discouraged.)
The writer explores ways that he tried to find meaning in life. He searched for it in possessions: built houses, planted vineyards, made gardens and parks, planted fruit trees, made reservoirs, and owned large herds and flocks. He searched for it through power: bought
slaves and singers and became great. He searched for it in wealth: amassed silver, gold, and treasures. He searched for it through pleasure: acquired a harem for delight (2:4-9).
Here was his conclusion: “Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun” (2:11). (I’m feeling more discouraged.)
It gets worse. The writer goes on to say that since he couldn’t find satisfaction in the things of life, he hated life. Life was meaningless (2:17-18). (I’m feeling really discouraged.)
Only when the writer had a change in perspective did he find joy and satisfaction in life. He came to realize that happiness is found in the acknowledgment that everything in life is a gift from God. And if
Photo by Vidal Balielo Jr. Pexels
we view everything as a gift, then we are free to enjoy the gifts that God has given us. We don’t find meaning in the gifts themselves, rather they represent a Heavenly Father who cares and provides for us. (I’m finally feeling encouraged.)
“I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. That each of them may eat and drink and find satisfaction in all their toil – this is the gift of God” (3:12-13).
If we view all that we are and all that we have as a gift from God, then our responsibility becomes one of enjoying, but also stewarding, God’s gifts. Let’s each strive to make good stewardship use of our time, treasures, and talents, acknowledging all as a gift from God and make decisions that please Him as thanksgiving to Him. It is the antidote for meaninglessness. (I’m now feeling very encouraged!)
Doug Hanson
If you aren’t familiar with the Biblical Studies Center, you can learn more at https://boisebsc.org, where you will see a list of courses offered under the Academics drop-down menu. The Biblical Studies Center is located at 1025 Belmont St. in Boise, near the Boise State University campus, and offers courses designed to grow your faith and develop your intellect. The center now offers the following six 18-hour undergraduate certificate programs that students can earn in the following areas: Christian Apologetics, Biblical Studies, Religious Studies, Church History, General Ministry, and Christian Counseling.
BIBLE BLANKS by
Steve Bertel
Fill in each answer, one letter per square. Then ar range t he letters in t he highlighted squares to reveal t he name of
All classes are accredited, and anyone is welcome to take courses. The courses are beneficial for college students, pastors, church staff, and anyone else who is looking to learn more about theology, culture, the Bible, and the church. Classes are $10/credit for students and young adults, and $50/ credit for community members. Students can audit a class for free, and community members can audit a class for $50.
A free lunch is offered every Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. when Boise State University is in session. Learn more on the Biblical Studies Center website under the Events drop-down menu. You can even sign up for the newsletter to stay informed about courses and events offered at the center. If you do, you will be encouraged! n
Doug Hanson is an investment advisor with Christian Wealth Management in Boise, providing biblically responsible investment advice to Christians. For more information, visit investforthegloryofgod.com or contact him at doug@christianwm.com or (208) 697-3699.
Investment advisory services provided by Creative Financial Designs, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor. Securities are offered through CFD Investments, Inc., Member FINRA & SIPC. 2704 South Goyer Road, Kokomo, IN 46902, (795) 453-9600. Christian Wealth Management, LLC is not affiliated with CFD Investments, Inc. or Creative Financial Designs, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor.
___ 3. T he NI V says this was “like cor iander seed and looked like resin.”
1. He said, “L ord, t here is no one like you to help the powerless against the mighty. Help us, L ord our God, for we rely on you …” 2. T he ar mor of God includes the ___ of righteousness. 4. Sennacher ib was the king
THE RENEGADE Psychiatrist
An amazing and life-changing book…
By Larry Banta
“This will absolutely change your life…”
How many times have you heard that promise on the TV or radio?
Will these new gadgets really change my life? Do they really offer what they say they will? Will the change last?
I know a book that truly does change your life. Many times over the years I have heard stories of amazing changes in lives of people who happened upon a copy of the Bible. The change was not temporary but lasting for life (and beyond). My library has many books on the shelves but this one book beside me on my desk is something special. The power contained in the words of this book is just amazing. You could provide any other book to someone and it may be interesting, it may provide some help, but will it truly change your life?
When my youngest, Nate, was in Bible college, I came on board at the college for a few years to teach a missions class with him. The class would lead up to a mission trip during spring break. We packed the students into the school’s van and headed south from Idaho. Just crossing the border into Mexico with California is a village called Tecate. It was a short distance from there to the church we were working with. We had with us a few boxes of Bibles we planned to give away on the plaza. We did not find parking close by, so Nate and I let the students out with the boxes of Bibles. We proceeded around the corner to park. After walking back in just a few minutes we saw that all of the Bibles were already distributed. The previously quiet plaza was buzzing with lively talking and discussion. Everywhere around the plaza people were reading passages out loud or just quietly to themselves. Some who could not read had their children reading to them. Nate and I, fluent in Spanish, accompanied the students, going from person to person talking with them about the Bible. The excitement was truly electric. Many had never seen a Bible but had always wanted one. Some had gone to church but had wandered away from their faith. There were tears of regret and joy mixed. What other book could bring such excitement and joy?
Some years prior to that, while living in Mexico, I was invited to a small village in the mountains about a four-hour drive away from
our home. The people had no medical care and many were sick. I agreed to start coming with a team to help out. We brought ample medical supplies. We started our days at the clinic with a small devotion, talking about our reason for coming and our faith in Christ. A friend sent me a large box of Scripture portions in Spanish as well as a few Bibles. We passed those around at the next clinic. Oh the excitement! Children were reading to their parents the book of John, which is what we had at the time. They clearly hungered for more. Soon we were regularly preaching and teaching along with the medical care. It took some time but eventually a church was planted which transformed the little village. Now there are three churches and a full-time pastor traveling between them.
Throughout the centuries and around the world much the same has happened. In 1949 in northeast India, in two tribal areas there were no Christians. Now more and more of the population believes. What happened? There were two people that year, one from the Naga tribe and one from the Khasi tribe who found a copy of the Bible. One was left by a salesman traveling in the area. Upon reading it they were impressed. One of them wrote to the United States to get help. The letter was actually addressed to “The United States of America.” The letter circulated with the wind of the Holy Spirit no doubt and found a couple in Lincoln, Ill. This couple was ready to go to Tibet but they were not able due to the communist takeover. They accepted the challenge and traveled to the area in tribal northeast India.
Dr. Larry E. Banta
There they stayed for 17 years, starting many churches, schools, and a training center for pastors. The Book, God’s very Word, changed a cannibalistic culture based in witchcraft and animism to a beautiful Christian community. There are many stories like this.
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. – Isaiah 9:2
An awesome creation, this book. Written over a period of 4,000 years by many different authors but with no contradictions, it is straightforward truth. These words are so powerful that when someone places their faith in God as directed in the book, their lives are changed, forever. Those who have set out to disprove the Bible either give up or become ardent followers of Christ. There are many examples, some of whom became famous evangelists of their time. Archeologists have not been able to disprove any of the history. Every dig comes up with more proofs of the absolute inerrancy of the Bible. Several have used the Bible to direct the digs with great success because it is true.
“All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord remains forever.” And this word is the good news that was preached to you. – 1 Peter 1:25-26
Thousands, maybe hundreds of thousands, have Bibles in their homes which lay gathering dust, unopened, unused. What if you had a serious illness and you sought help from your doctor? He prescribed a strong medicine for you to start right away, designed to cure your illness. You went home in great joy as you had the cure! The medicine bottle stood in a prominent place in your front room to show everyone this great and wonderful medicine that could cure your illness. However, the bottle remained unopened. Is it not the same having the very words of life on the shelf or prominent on the coffee table but you only consider its decorative value?
I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
– Psalms 119:11
In many countries these words are feared to the point that Bibles are prohibited. Even those in authority know how powerful these words are. The words are able to promote such a change in people that they would rather die than give up their faith in Christ as found in those very words.
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
– Psalms 119:105
Take the Bible off the shelf, open it and find the words that will truly change your life! n
Dr. Larry Banta is an author of several books, a retired psychiatrist, and a former missionary. He served in India, Mexico and Kenya. He and his wife, Evelyn, a counselor, travel together to provide consultation and training in various international locations.
Wednesday’s Child youths are ‘worth it’
Shawn White serves as the Specialized Recruitment Services Administrator for Idaho Wednesday’s Child, an organization through Eastern Washington University that contracts with the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare in order to help Idaho foster children find permanent homes. White recently spoke to Christian Living Magazine to help explain “who the youth we serve really are” and to clear up some misconceptions and make people aware of the positives that children in
“Children in foster care are simply kids who’ve been through a lot of trauma, grief and loss in their young lives, through no fault of their own. Our program generally serves youth from the ages of 10-17, because most younger dren in foster care either reunify with their parents or are adopted by relatives or their existing foster family. The younger kids we do serve through our program are usually part of a sibling group that needs to be adopted together,” White explained.
White feels strongly that, “Society can sometimes make false assumptions about children in care and far too often people have the mindset that these are bad kids – especially the teenagers, which
couldn’t be further from the truth. It’s not the fault of the youth that we serve that they are in foster care.” The adults in their life who were tasked with nurturing and protecting them were either unable or unwilling to do so, causing the child to need to come into foster care. In the realm of boys versus girls, potential adoptive parents can tend to be more hesitant to consider adopting teenage boys. “More grace seems to be given to girls,” White said. “Teenage boys suffer the most from people’s misconceptions.” She feels that this may be because boys can tend to react to their hard emotions in a more outward way, whereas girls quite often internalize things, making some families mistakenly feel that it may be unsafe to have a teen boy in care in their home.
It’s not unusual for youth who have experienced complex trauma to struggle with guilt, anger, depression and anxiety. All children in care deal with the “big emotions” that come from trauma and hurt, and all children in care can recover and heal from their past.
“Because these kids are in foster care, they can sometimes be viewed as something ‘less than” – another inaccuracy White hopes to dispel. Other misconceptions people sometimes have are that the kids won’t be a good influence on the younger kids in the family and would be too much work. But again, White is dogged in overturning this inaccurate view. One of the things she most wants people to know about the kids? “They’re worth the work and the effort; they’re worth going through the hard stuff.”
White – who has been a part of the program for many years –praises these youngsters for their positive attributes, which she believes are many. “One common trait among all of the youth we serve is their resilience,” White said. “They’re amazing! Imagine if any one of us had just been dropped into someone else’s home – even as an adult – and had to try to navigate fitting in, figuring out the family dynamics, and basically getting comfortable with strangers. It would be very difficult. These kids are so brave to allow us to feature who they are in such a public format in an effort to find a Forever Family for them.
Continued on page 27
Braxton, 14, has skills in friend-making
The following information is provided by Wednesday’s Child, an organization that helps Idaho foster children find permanent homes.
Braxton is an amazing young man who is hoping to find a Forever Family that loves adventures. He can’t wait to go fishing with them and to take in as many theme parks as possible together. Some of Braxton’s other passions that might make him a great fit for your family include a love of drawing; Lego Star Wars; Percy Jackson books; playing Minecraft; and watching the Dallas Cowboys. Braxton would love to have the support of his family as he learns to play a musical instrument, joins some new clubs at school and further explores his interest in religion.
This resilient boy wants prospective families to know that he can cook on his own and loves to eat. Pizza, ramen noodles and burritos are among his favorite foods and he is skilled at making pancakes that taste just like cookies or brownies. On an educational note, Braxton is an advanced reader who really enjoys science experiments and finding out all he can about old Greek and Roman civilizations.
Braxton is proud of his ability to make friends.
Braxton thrives on structure, stability and consistency. Parents who possess these traits and have TBRI training and/or an in-depth understanding of the potential effects of childhood trauma would be an ideal match for him. Braxton’s Permanency Team is working hard to find an adoptive family where he will be the only, or the youngest, child in the home. They are open to Idaho families as well as those from another state, in an effort to truly find the perfect fit for him. Though they are unable to be adopted together, Braxton has a younger sister with whom he shares a very strong bond. He needs a family who will commit to supporting his ongoing relationship with her, as well as his connection with a few of his other birth family members, when appropriate.
If you believe that your family can provide Braxton with the qualities his team is searching for and you are ready for the adventure of a lifetime with this deserving young man, visit www.idahowednesdayschild.org to inquire about him. n
For more information on the Idaho Wednesday’s Child Program, visit www.idahowednesdayschild.org, or contact Specialized Recruitment Services Administrator Shawn White at swhite52@ewu.edu or cell (208) 488-8989.
Braxton
MAXIMUM Health
Reframe your mind, reframe your health
By Rosie Main
Now that it’s 2025, many of us feel the call for a fresh start – a year of genuine transformation, healing, and renewed dedication to becoming who God created us to be. But how do we move from desire to action? The key lies in our mindset. By aligning our thoughts with God’s promises and committing to natural health, we can conquer challenges and experience profound changes.
1. Start with Why – When the journey gets tough, focus on your “why.” Finding your why is about connecting with the deeper reasons that inspire you to make changes. Reflect on what truly matters to you – whether it’s being a positive role model for your family, gaining the strength to fulfill your God-given purpose, or simply living with more joy and vitality. Maybe it’s being present for your loved ones, having the energy to fulfill your calling, or simply honoring God by feeling your best. Write these goals down and revisit them often, grounding them in Scripture for encouragement.
2. Set Intentional Goals – True change doesn’t happen by accident; it requires intentional action. Set specific, measurable goals that have meaning. Maybe it’s about nourishing your body with whole foods, prioritizing movement, or making time for rest and reflection. These goals are a reflection of your commitment to steward your body well so that you can serve God and others.
3. Embrace Natural Healing – God has provided incredible resources in nature to support our health. From nutrient-dense foods to the benefits of movement and rest, natural healing allows us to address the root causes of our health struggles rather than merely masking symptoms.
• Nourish Your Body: Focus on whole, unprocessed foods that energize and restore your health.
• Move with Purpose: Exercise is not just about fitness; it’s about holistic well-being, boosting mood, and preparing our bodies to serve God.
• Detox Your Life: Detoxify not just in the physical sense but also in your mind. Eliminate toxic thoughts, stress, and negative influences. Surround yourself with positivity, prayer, and God’s truth.
Eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids like salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts. These healthy fats are essential for brain function and can help reduce inflammation. Additionally, include the following key nutrients for optimal brain health.
• B Vitamins: Especially B6, B12, and folate, which help reduce homocysteine levels, a factor that can contribute to cognitive decline. Sources include leafy greens, eggs, and legumes.
•Antioxidants: Vitamin E and vitamin C help protect the brain from oxidative stress. Foods rich in these nutrients include berries, nuts, seeds, and bell peppers.
• Magnesium: This mineral supports nerve function and helps regulate neurotransmitters. You can find magnesium in leafy greens, almonds, and dark chocolate.
• Choline: Essential for the production of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter important for memory and learning. Good sources are eggs and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli.
• Stay Active: Physical activity not only benefits your body but also boosts brain health by increasing blood flow and stimulating the growth of new neurons. Activities like brisk walking, swimming, or yoga are great choices.
• Adequate Sleep: Good sleep is crucial for cognitive health. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night to allow your brain to process and regenerate, which helps improve memory and mood.
Transformation takes time; but with the right mindset, 2025 can be the year you conquer your health goals naturally. This journey isn’t a sprint but a lifelong pursuit. Celebrate small victories along the way, and keep your eyes on the bigger picture – a life that reflects God’s purpose. n
For further support with your health goals or more information, go to MainHealthSolutions.com.
Rosie Main
Shawn White
Continued from page 24
“Some of the other most common traits we see among the kids we serve are that they’re funny, kind, intelligent, very empathetic, and animals lovers – because animals are comforting and very loyal. These kids need others around them who will encourage and nurture their dreams and goals. Many of the youth we serve already know what they want to be when they grow up and have high hopes for a bright future,” White said. Children in foster care just want someone to want them – they want families. They deeply want that family connection in their lives. And though they’ve been part of a family in their pasts, they’re now seeking the kind of family that gives them what they genuinely need in life: love, security, connection, and a future.
“I’ve never worked with a youth who didn’t want family in their life,” White stated. “All of these kids want normalcy; they dream of having a family that will be committed to them and won’t abandon them. They want things like family dinners, family game nights, parents who cheer for them at school or sporting events and will do homework with them. They crave normalcy.”
The effect of life-changing familial love for a young person is more than a one-and-done event. “When we find a match, people think, ‘That’s so great’, but finding a Forever Family for a child changes the trajectory for more than just that child. Finding safe and secure parents to emulate helps kids in care learn to be good parents themselves someday, which can then turn into infinite generational change. It’s really rewarding to hear those things.”
The young people in Wednesday’s Child need help beyond the age of 18. “The older teens are desperately approaching adulthood and need support. They need a family, just like everyone else does at any age or stage in life,” White said. The outcomes for kids who age out of foster care are not usually positive. They can experience domestic violence, unemployment, and other adverse experiences. “These
teens want a family beyond the age of 18,” White explained. “They long to know that someone will be with them for a lifetime, to help them navigate jobs, relationships, school, finances and, someday, parenting. They also want a family who will be there to celebrate all of their milestones, successes, and life’s joyous moments with them.”
Families interested in providing foster care, or adopting from foster care, can find support and training available to them aimed at educating caregivers on how to parent kids who’ve come from hard places. “These kids need connection, even in matters of discipline, and you have to assure them, ‘I won’t ever leave you – even when your emotions are big’.”
Becoming well versed in understanding childhood trauma can greatly increase the odds of a successful foster care adoption.
She wanted people to know they can contact Wednesday’s Child and “ask questions, talk with us, discuss your fears.” People interested in finding out more about foster care adoption can attend a virtual info meeting that will address their questions, and can register online at www.idahowednesdayschild.org to participate. White stated: “I’m always open as well to meeting folks for coffee or finding another time to talk by phone or virtually to provide the information, if someone cannot attend our monthly info meeting.”
She stated: “Our wish is that more people would be willing to open their hearts and minds to learning about the need for foster and adoptive families. It is so worth the challenges and hard work to help these deserving kids heal and learn that they are worthy of all the good things life has to offer, and to see them go on to lead amazing lives.” n
For more information, visit the website or contact White at swhite52@ewu.edu or cell (208) 488-8989.
Marriage road: ‘simple’ route not best
By Gary Moore
Some people think I’m a relatively smart person. I do hold a graduate degree with honors. But with those degrees, I never had a course in “marriage relationships”. I was like most of us as it relates to that topic – clueless. I was never given instructions on what to do and what signposts to look for.
In my first marriage, my intentions were good. I just didn’t know the how or what. Since that time, I’ve spent a lot of time and money studying the world of marriage relationships. And I’ve dedicated a lot of my time and effort to helping others learn what signposts to look for and what to do when they see them.
I wouldn’t classify myself as an expert in this area, but my life experiences and training do qualify me as a guide for those who consider themselves “lost” regarding their marriage relationship. There are at least three things you should know about those of us who have experienced marriage relational lostness. First, we didn’t get lost on purpose. Not one of us stood before the pastor, our friends and our families and declared that we were about to go on a journey where we would intentionally get lost. In fact, just the opposite was true. We were sure that we would follow what we knew and understood about marriage relationships and all would be well. However, we soon found ourselves in totally unfamiliar territory without any signposts to follow. And before too long, we were lost.
The second thing you need to know about those of us who have experienced marriage relationship lostness is that we never knew exactly when it happened. We really didn’t know when we crossed that line between, I know exactly what is going on and I have no idea what is happening. We didn’t know the precise moment when we made an incorrect turn or took a wrong route. Most of us never had that “aha moment” when a light went off in our brains and we thought, Gee, I think I’m lost. If I back up a few hundred feet, I’ll be unlost. Being lost was just something that one day dawned on us. And since we hadn’t seen the signposts, we had no idea how long we’d been lost before we realized it. We really had no clue as to the actual state of our marriage relationship or what to do about it.
Image by Susanne Nicolin from Pixabay
The third thing about getting lost is that the road you’re on always determines where you end up. It doesn’t really take a graduate degree to figure that out, does it? You see, it didn’t really matter where we intended to be; the road we had taken determined our ultimate destination. Plans, intentions, spousal expectations…none of that counted. We ended up where the road we chose took us. It breaks my heart how many couples I speak with who don’t connect the dots between the relationship choices they make and the outcomes they experience. It seems they’ve come to believe the popular notion that as long as their intentions are good, as long as their hearts are in the right place (whatever that means), as long as they do their best and try their hardest, it doesn’t really matter which road they take. They believe somehow their relationship will survive. But life and marriage don’t work that way.
We’ve all heard that experience is the best teacher. But the truth is, about the only thing most of us learn from experience is what to expect when we repeat the same bad decisions. We’ve all said, “I’ll never do that again” about something. We knew what the outcome would be, but we kept going anyway.
Proverbs 27:12 talks about the prudent (wise) and the simple people. “The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it.” The primary difference between the prudent and the simple is not what they see but how they respond to what they see. The prudent see danger and take refuge. The simple see danger and keep going. The prudent see danger and change
their course. They act on what they see. The simple do not. The prudent act as if then is now; as if the future is the present. The simple respond as though tomorrow will always be tomorrow. The prudent respond now.
When the prudent identify behaviors turning into habits, they do something while they can. The simple keep going. When the prudent see a relationship moving in an unhealthy direction, they do something. The simple keep going.
Don’t ignore the red flags. Don’t be among those who say, “It will all work out, somehow”. And that is true. Everything somehow works out. Every decision has an outcome, and every road has a destination. And so, there you are. Exactly where you didn’t want to be – but exactly where your road led you. And now married life is complicated. Unnecessarily complicated.
But it doesn’t have to be that way. Learn the warning signs and change your “marriage road” if you need to. n
Gary Moore served as associate pastor at Cloverdale Church of God for 15 years. He does couples’ coaching and leads couples’ workshops and retreats called MUM’s the Word. He has a weekly radio program – Life Point Plus – on KBXL 94.1FM at 8:45 a.m. on Fridays. His website at www.mutualunderstanding. net has video teachings and other resources for couples. He may be contacted at glmoore113@gmail.com.
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Gary Moore
I GET TO!®
Live your life ‘gratefully
By Joan Endicott
Once upon a time, in a quiet town nestled among rolling hills, lived a woman named Grace. Known for her busy life, Grace was always rushing from one task to another, her mind constantly preoccupied with work, her phone, shopping, and entertainment. Despite having a loving family and faithful friends, Grace had become increasingly distracted, her heart and mind far from the blessings right before her eyes.
One evening, after a long day at work, Grace found herself driving home, her phone buzzing with notifications. Unable to resist the urge to check her messages, she glanced down at her phone, taking her eyes off the road for just a moment. In that split second, her car swerved, and she collided with another vehicle.
The world around her went dark as she lost consciousness. In the ambulance, Grace’s body lay motionless, surrounded by medical personnel fighting to save her life. Suddenly, Grace found herself outside her own body, watching the scene unfold from above. Confusion and fear gripped her, but a gentle voice called her name.
Joan Endicott
Turning, she saw a wise and gentle figure dressed in white. He introduced himself as Michael, a messenger sent to strengthen and guide her. Michael spoke softly, “Grace, you have been given a special gift—to see your life from a different perspective, to understand the blessings you have been overlooking.”
Michael began showing Grace scenes from her own life. She saw herself working, glued to her computer screen, missing the laughter of her children playing in the next room. She saw herself scrolling through her phone, oblivious to her husband’s kind eyes seeking her attention. She saw herself shopping and indulging in entertainment, neglecting the warmth of genuine conversations with friends.
Each scene pierced her heart, revealing the painful truth of how she had allowed meaningless distractions to cloud her vision and steal her joy. Tears filled her eyes as she realized how disconnected she had become from the people she loved the most.
Michael gently placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, sharing “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil” (Eph. 5:1516). He continued, “Grace, God has blessed you with precious moments, but in order to enjoy them fully, you must understand the value of time.
It’s an irreplaceable asset that, once gone, is gone for good.
“Time is something we can either waste or invest. Investing time here on Earth means we are doing things that are not only meaningful now, but for all eternity. The only two things in this life that will last are people and relationships. Do you want to make the most of the time God has given you in this life?”
Grace felt a surge of sorrow but also a glimmer of hope. Michael then showed her a vision of what her life could be if she chose to live gratefully—in the present moment. She saw herself laughing with her children, sharing meaningful conversations with her husband, and cherishing the simple moments with her friends.
The final scene Michael revealed was Grace kneeling in prayer, her heart overflowing with gratitude, as she thanked God for the countless blessings in her life. Philippians 4:6-7 echoed in her mind, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
As the vision began to fade, Michael spoke once more, “Grace, remember that each day is a gift. Live gratefully present, savoring every irreplaceable second with those whom God has graciously gifted you. Waste no more time on things that don’t matter.”
Grace awoke with a start, her heart pounding with a newfound clarity and determination. She knelt beside her bed, offering a prayer of thanksgiving to God. She knew that her life was about to change, and she was ready to embrace it.
From that day forward, Grace made a conscious effort to be present in every moment. She put away distractions, spent quality time with her family and friends, and cherished the simple, beautiful moments that life offered. She lived each day with a heart full of gratitude, knowing that her vision had been a divine wake-up call to live a life of true fulfillment and joy.
As Colossians 3:17 says, “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Grace’s story reminds us all to cherish the blessings God has given us and to live each day with a heart of gratitude, making the most of every precious moment.
If I Had My Life to Live Over by Erma Bombeck
(Written after she found out she was dying from cancer)
Someone asked me the other day if I had my life to live over would I change anything. My answer was no, but then I thought about it and changed my mind.
If I had my life to live over, I would have talked less and listened more.
I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained and the sofa faded.
I would have eaten the popcorn in the ‘good’ living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.
I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.
I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.
I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage. I would have sat on the lawn with my children and not worried about grass stains. I would have cried and laughed less while watching television—and more while watching life.
Friend, aren’t we grateful that “It’s too late” isn’t in God’s vocabulary and that His mercies are new every morning? The great news is, if you are feeling led to make a change, God gives you the wisdom, strength and power to do it. Now is the time! Today is the day! Waste no time in the pit of regret, simply reset!
Five Encouragements for Living “Gratefully Present”
1 Practice Gratitude Daily: Start each day by thanking God for His blessings. Keep a gratitude journal to remind yourself of all the good things in your life. “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever” (Psalm 107:1).
2 Be Mindful of Your Time: Make a conscious effort to spend quality time with your loved ones. Put away distractions and be fully present in the moment. “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12).
3 Prioritize Relationships: Invest in meaningful relationships with family and friends. Make time for deep conversations and shared experiences. “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity” (Proverbs 17:17).
I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband. I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren’t there for the day.
I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn’t show soil or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.
Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I’d have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.
When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, “Later. Now go get washed up for dinner.”
There would have been more “I love you’s”...more “I’m sorry’s”...
But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute...look at it and really see it...live it...and never give it back.”
4 Limit Distractions: Set boundaries with technology and entertainment. Create intentional time slots for using your phone, watching TV, and other activities, ensuring they don’t overshadow precious moments with loved ones. “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things” (Colossians 3:2).
5 Live with Purpose: Focus on what truly matters in life. Seek God’s guidance in all you do and strive to live out His calling for you. “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11).
May these steps guide you toward living a life that is gratefully present, cherishing each moment and making the most of the time God has given you. n
Grab your FREE copy of Joan Endicott’s “I Get To!”® book at www.JoanEndicott.com. Also, be one of the first to get her 2nd book,“I Get To!”® Own My Worth! Joan is an Award-Winning Keynote Speaker, Author and Coach whose coaching has reached over 30 countries. Find out more about her speaking and coaching here: www.JoanEndicott.com
