The Fondue Fiasco

by Pam Carlson-Hetland If I could only find the box it was packed in, I had an idea of how to celebrate Valentine's Day with my pre-teen daughter. Basement diving--as we called our search through the piles of boxes--was quite an experience after moving from a 4-bedroom house to a condo half the size. Of course, it would be on the bottom! But, alas, I found the object of my search--a relic from the late 1970's: my avocado green fondue pot, along with some cans of Sterno for heating. It probably hadn't been used for 25 years. It was slightly bent up and stained but still useable. Since it was just the two of us now, I wanted to make Valentine's Day special - a memorable event. I was anxious to begin fresh traditions in our new home. It would be fun to introduce my young daughter to the art of a slow paced and tasty meal. The next stop was a trip to the public library to check out fondue cookbooks. I read each recipe carefully and decided on a Classic Swiss Cheese Fondue. I had never made this, but it seemed simple enough. At the grocery store, we quickly filled our cart with food items to dip and swirl in the warm, creamy sauce. With the bags deposited in the car, I headed to the building next door to the grocery store. "Where are you going?" My daughter asked, frowning. "The liquor store." I answered.  

Be HIS - A Valentine's Devotion

by LauraLee Shaw

 

I'll never forget receiving the candy hearts on Valentine's Day when I was in middle school. You know, the ones that taste a little bit like Pepto-Bismol? My friends and I would tear our little bitty envelopes open to see which hearts someone put inside with the generic card. Reading into every phrase, we fantasized of that special someone spending tireless efforts to make sure he delivered the perfect message and emotion to each of us. It was dreamy.

Paws for Thought

by Angela T. Pisaturo
I know the plans I have for you

Winnie’s vet recently informed me that her teeth needed some repair work. For a dog, this means the application of anesthetics.  I was apprehensive about the surgery given Winnie’s age of fifteen.  After much discussion (mainly on my part), the Vet convinced me Winnie would be fine and that not having her teeth cleaned could be more harmful to her health in the long run.

The night before Winnie’s surgery I diligently followed the doctor’s instructions. Then I laid my hands on Winnie’s head (Winnie had no idea what I was doing!) and asked God to bring her safely home to me.  That night I still couldn’t sleep even though I surrendered all to God. I kept looking over at Winnie who was sleeping peacefully on the loveseat in my bedroom.  I thought to myself poor little thing she has no idea where she is going tomorrow.

Even though my heart knew, Winnie would be okay, my head thought otherwise. 

The Heart of a Christian Writer

The Heart of a Christian Writer

By Delia Latham

"Why do all of your stories reflect your faith?" It's a common question for an inspirational author.

Ever wonder why Mary Higgins Clark continues to write such fascinating suspense? Ask Stephen King why he dreams up so many tales of horror. Question Danielle Steele as to her reason for book after book of unapologetic romantic drama. Why is J.K. Rowling so at home in the world of witches, warlocks and other strange and mystical creatures?

Ask any author in any genre why he or she writes what they write. Chances are you'll get pretty much the same answer. They write what they think about, what they're familiar with, what they're passionate about.

They write from their hearts.

Godly Girls Invest in a Good Girdle

November 2008 

by Valerie Ralston 

How many times have you read Proverbs 31 and wondered, "How can I possibly be this woman?" Well I have good news for you! The Bible is like a mirror, as you look into it, and start appropriating what it is reflecting back to you, you begin to resemble more and more what the Word says you are! In light of this, I want to share with you one of the "reflections" God has shown me.

Proverbs 31:17 (Amplified Bible) says, "She girds herself with strength [spiritual, mental, and physical fitness for her God-given task] and makes her arms strong and firm."

Whistle While You Wait

by Pam Frey 

Patience. It's an ugly word to most of us. When we think of the word patience, we think of having to wait on something we desire to see come to pass. And how many of us can honestly say we enjoy waiting?

Often, the things we are waiting for are everyday things, like waiting for the coffee to brew in the morning, or waiting in a long line at the grocery store. However, sometimes the things we are waiting for are much more serious than simple everyday things. Maybe you are experiencing a serious issue in your marriage and are seeking God for answers, or maybe you are praying for a lost love one to come to the Lord. Whatever the situation you may be facing, we are all waiting on something, whether it is big or small. It's an unavoidable part of life. Patience is the staying power we need in order to not quit and give up before we see the results we are waiting for.