3 Ways Jesus Lights Our Lives

3 Ways Jesus Lights Our Lives

By Melissa McLaughlin Rain pounded on the roof. The storm winds rattled our windows. A low rumble brought a shiver through the house. Lightning flashed. Thunder roared, piercing our ears with a blasting boom. Then everything went dark. I blinked and looked around. The power had gone out in our entire neighborhood, leaving us in … Read more

Peace, Be Still

Peace Be Still

By Melissa McLaughlin Ding! A sign lit up at the front of the plane—“Fasten Your Seatbelts.” The airplane rattled and jiggled our bodies. I leaned back. My head vibrated and shook against the headrest. My fingers clenched the armrest cushion. A quick prayer slipped through my lips, “Jesus, help us.” Soon, the pilot’s soothing voice … Read more

A Holy Week Remembrance

A Holy Week Remembrance

By Melissa McLaughlin As children, we anticipated each holiday with barely contained joy. We asked “how much longer” and counted the days. We reminisced about previous years’ events and dreamed of once-a-year foods, family gatherings, gifts, and celebrations and music at church. Now that I am an adult (with the passing of many years), holidays—or … Read more

What does it mean that Satan has no claim on me?

What does it mean that Satan has no claim on me?

By Melissa McLaughlin “It’s mine!” he claimed. “No, it’s mine!” she retorted. With hands pulling, muscles straining, and teeth clenching, a tug of war ensued. As an elementary school teacher, recess often included resolving ownership disputes. With a little detective work, I would determine the rightful owner, request apologies, and redirect students to neutral playground … Read more

What does Aaron’s rod that budded represent?

What does Aaron's Rod that budded represent? Numbers 17

By Melissa McLaughlin As frigid winter temperatures released their grip on the earth, my young eyes scanned our yard for springtime buds. Among the first signs of the new season were pussy willows. Each year in March, my mom cut branches to create a spriggy springtime bouquet for our table. My small fingers stroked the … Read more

A House Built by the Lord

A House Built by the Lord

By Melissa McLaughlin Little fingers gripped chunky crayons and bright markers. Their eyes sparkled and their arms whooshed. Young voices echoed with excitement. When my kids were young, one of their favorite summertime activities was decorating boxes. Not just any box, however. Each year, my parents visited local stores to pick up discarded refrigerator boxes. … Read more

Listening to God in the New Year

Listening to God in the New Year

By Melissa McLaughlin Crunch, crunch, crunch. My boots stomped the icy snow as I trudged to the car. With unplowed roads, a snowy stillness blanketed the earth. The sound of crispy footsteps tingled in my ears. I stopped to listen. The snowstorm painted a white canvas for the eyes and enfolded the world in frosty … Read more

What Does “Everlasting Father” Mean?

What does Everlasting Father mean

By Melissa McLaughlin Her fingers gripped the handlebars, and her feet thrust down on the pedals. With eyes focused in deep concentration, she poured her full strength into the task. It seems like yesterday our children learned to ride a two-wheeled bike. When each child was ready, my husband removed the training wheels. With one … Read more

4 Elements of Contentment in Christ

4 Elements of Contentment in Christ

By Melissa McLaughlin My stomach lurched as I listened. My friend, Cindy, had called with an update. Her voice trembled. She faltered, “The doctors discovered I have stage 4 cancer. I am stunned. I had no red flags. No early symptoms.” Hot tears streamed down my cheeks. I choked out the few words I could … Read more

Trusting God With Our Nation

In God We Trust

By Melissa McLaughlin Autumn leaves twirl to the ground signaling the curtain call. In that final moment before taking a bow, the withering foliage announces the close of one season. By God’s wondrous design, the fall leaves also prepare for the next as they release nourishment into the earth for future growth. If you live … Read more

Poem: Undiminished

Poem Undiminished

By Melissa McLaughlin God of eternity, Brilliance of heaven, Blazing shimmers of transcendent spark, Unrestrained flashes, swirling flames, eclipsing Northern lights. For time immemorial, Generation upon generation, Basked in celestial wonders of endless rippling, Yesterday, today, and a thousand tomorrows. You are untouched, Unmarred, Untarnished, By creaking bones, rusty corrosion, or decay’s malodorous stench. Undiminished … Read more

How to Live for God With All Your Heart

How to Live for God With All Your Heart

By Melissa McLaughlin A sigh slipped through my lips. I was snuggled together with the kids for bedtime stories. One of our favorite family activities to close out the day. But that night, I was bone-tired. Gravity pulled my eyelids. The book weighed down my arms. Though groggy-minded, I pushed through. Normally, I read with … Read more

What does it mean to will and work for God?

What does it mean to will and work for God

By Melissa McLaughlin The aroma of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies wafted through the house. Our kids came running. When my children were young, they loved helping make cookies. Chocolate chip cookies topped their list. They rushed to the kitchen to assist. Their eyes twinkled as they mixed the batter and stirred the chocolate chips. … Read more

Poem: Summer Grace in Firefly Light

Poem Summer Grace in Firefly Light

By Melissa McLaughlin In still evening hush The lightning bug arises Commencing its summer dance of glory. Greenish yellow glow Twinkles on and then off Floating, flickering, fleeting. One blink and it’s gone. No loud boom of fireworks No harsh strobe lights or overdone efforts of mankind striving to be seen and heard. Human vain … Read more

A Prayer for Mothers

A Prayer for Mothers

By Melissa McLaughlin Please join me in prayer for mothers, grandmothers, aunts, or mother figures. Let’s remember the godly women who have nurtured us and lift them in prayer today. If you are a mother, this prayer is for you, too. Heavenly Father, thank you for lavishing your love on us. Today, I pray a … Read more

God Blesses You With His Name

God Blesses You With His Name

By Melissa McLaughlin A New Name My eyes tear up as I remember that day. It seems like only yesterday we said, “I do.” I met my husband at church. Our tender friendship grew into a committed relationship and culminated in our marriage a few years later. We celebrated this sacred occasion with a worshipful … Read more

God’s Voice Resounds: Psalm 19

God's Voice Resounds Psalm 19

By Melissa McLaughlin Food for the Soul One bite is all it takes. Savoring a delicious meal is a simple pleasure in my life. The aromas, varied textures, and wonderful flavors bring delight. Even as I imagine a favorite dessert, my mouth begins to water. Taking a bite of apple pie is a little slice … Read more

What is the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) in the Bible?

what is the feast of tabernacles (sukkoth) in the bible

By Melissa McLaughlin The Feast of Tabernacles is the last of three fall feasts appointed and initiated by God in the Old Testament. The Feast (or Festival) of Tabernacles is also referred to as: The Feast of Booths / Ingathering / Shelters or in Hebrew “Sukkot”. The word Sukkot is the plural form of “sukkah” … Read more

How to Read and Understand the Bible – 4 Simple Tips

How to Read and Understand the Bible 4 Simple Tips

By Melissa McLaughlin One of my favorite summertime joys is seeing flowers arrayed in their colorful, radiant glory. My parents have the most amazing bush that blooms each year during mid-summer months. Every evening at dusk several blossoms on the Evening Primrose burst open and fully expand within about 45 seconds. First we stand back … Read more

A Call to Fast and Pray – 3 Ways to Fast

A Call to Fast and Pray - 3 Ways to Pray

By Melissa McLaughlin The first time I participated in a time of prayer and fasting was in high school. In order to raise awareness and raise money to fight world hunger, our church youth group organized a sleepover at the church that included a time of prayer and fasting. This afforded us the opportunity to … Read more

My Prayer for the World at Such a Time as This

By Melissa McLaughlin We are living in a time we could never have imagined. The world and its systems have come to a screeching halt. Businesses, schools, churches, activities, travel have all been put on hold. In a matter of weeks, the coronavirus pandemic turned the spotlight on the fragility of our lives. The simple … Read more