It is October 1! Do you know what that means?! Let me explain …My name is Carol and I love Christmas more than chocolate … more than shopping … and more than the beach.

From Guest Blogger Barbara Wright: Baskets brimming with the last offerings from our summer gardens are one of the most beautiful harbingers of Fall. We feel it in the air- Thanksgiving is just around the corner...

We have all been created on purpose … with purpose … and for purpose.  Why is it then that so few of us actually live in that sweet spot of God-given purpose? Why is it that we are content to settle for mediocrity, for half-a-life, for busyness rather than for usefulness?

I have a sweet, small decorative pillow that sits proudly on my guest bedroom bed.  This darling stuffed piece of fabric announces winsomely, “Home is Where Your Story Begins!”.

If I am required to once again walk the lonely road of suffering and grief … I will walk it with joy knowing that it leads me to something extraordinarily good.

From Guest Blogger Christy Christopher: It is possible to love the Lord with all your heart, fear Him and walk in His ways, yet suddenly find yourself catapulted into deep trouble and darkness.

I never have had a better idea than God.  Never. Not in over 6 decades of living have I found myself even one time to be as smart as or as wise as my Father.

Rather than remaining in a place of penetrating disappointment, know that because of the power and love of God, nothing this side of heaven has the capacity to “dis”-appoint you. You have been eternally and unflinchingly appointed for His purposes and His plans.

Christ came to make us new … He knew there would be seasons in life that would just wear us down with weakness and worry. He came to give new power and new strength.

From Guest Blogger Dr. Nancy Meyer: My grandson has a special way of reminding me of what really matters in life. Today was yet another example of his profound perspective, seen through the innocent eyes of a child.

From Guest Blogger Becky Harling: Several years ago I met with a woman who told me, “Becky, I’m so lonely. Why can’t I find a church who has the kind of groups I am looking for?”  Long after I met and prayed with this woman, I thought about her question.

From Guest Blogger Dr. Alan Weisennbacher: The paths in the brain we use most often become highways that the brain takes automatically whenever life throws us a curveball. So, I have some large highways for worry that the brain likes to travel. I know telling myself to “stop worrying” does not work. That still puts the word “worry” in my brain, and that strengthens the worry highway, making things even harder on myself. I need to change my focus!

From Guest Blogger Suzanne Woods Fisher: Here’s the scoop: mastering vanilla is key because it’s the foundation for almost every other flavor. But getting it just right is tough. Vanilla is so straightforward that there’s nothing to hide behind; any little mistake is obvious. Other flavors might let you slide on a minor goof, but vanilla is all about the details.

From Guest Blogger Emily T. Wierenga: But what would it look like for the church in all her brokenness to be full of Sabbath people now? I want to wear Sunday every day and invite the hurting and hungry into light, rest, laughter, and music.

An Excerpt from Overflowing: The Father enthusiastically gave to Jesus the fullness of His power. It never ceases to amaze me that this one intentional decision brought pleasure to God. As I have prayed over this passage, wondered over it, and wrestled with it, there has been a relentless question that has utterly consumed me: Why was it the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness of the Godhead to dwell in Jesus?