Since 2001, when someone at church introduced me to rowing, I have competed in about 100 races, from small high-school dual meets, to collegiate national championships and international competitions. Inevitably, my racing has taught me about effective preparation for success. (more…)

Remember that book by Shel Silverstein? It’s a story about a boy and the tree that provides him with everything he needs—shade, branches to play on, and food to eat. It’s such a great metaphor for how God works in our life as our constant Giver. Well, ‘tis the season…! (more…)

For many Filipinos, the day typhoon Ketsana hit was memorable.  Everyone remembers where they were, what they were doing, and who they were with.  Although it has already been three weeks since the storm hit, some parts of Metro Manila are still flooded in knee-high waters that may not recede until December. Ketsana was immediately followed by Parma, though bypassed Manila and hit the provinces of northern Luzon instead.  This category-5 typhoon caused a lot of landslides in Baguio and its neighboring areas. (more…)

A 7.6 magnitude earthquake damaged thousands of houses, other buildings, and bridges in West Sumatera on September 30th. Three villages were buried underground and hundreds of people are still buried under buildings today. There were follow up earthquakes in Jambi (Sumatera), Papua and Gorontalo (Celebes) just yesterday, but they weren’t as big as in Sumatera. (more…)

by Catherine Trevor-Roberts

As the world continues to focus on how terrible the economy is, I find myself looking for ways to perceive more of what is actually true about God’s abundance. The picture of lack that is continually set before us is not one we have to accept.

Yet, as I listen to what is being said, I wonder how I, or any one person, can prove God’s allness. I know He is all, all powerful, all loving, all goodness, all supply. So, how do I help others see that God is all this, and that there is no lack?

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Lauren – Christian Science Sentinel,  July 14, 2008

During the summer of 2006, at a Christian Science summer camp I go to, I went on a three-day backpacking trip with a group. My first thought was that it was going to be an amazing experience. But on the first day of the trip, when I put my backpack on, I thought they must be joking to have us all carry such heavy loads for three days. Ridiculous! Then the counselors explained why we were carrying frame packs—we needed to take all our cooking and camping supplies with us since we wouldn’t always have a base camp. But I was still feeling frustrated. How could I possibly do this?

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by John Biggs

Wait a minute. What kind of advice is that? Why would I ever want to put all my “eggs” in one basket? If I commit myself entirely to something or someone—what if it turns out badly? I need to spread myself, my trust, around so that if something goes wrong I have at least some security. After all, how can I know what is really reliable?

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by Mari Riera

I was a serious flute player in high school, and it was my deepest desire to have a chair in the Oklahoma All-State Orchestra. This orchestra was comprised of the best musicians in Oklahoma, and there were only four flute spots available. This meant that I had to perform better than 700 other flute players to earn this incredible opportunity. (more…)

by John Biggs

After a wonderful and enriching experience traveling abroad, I’ve now rented a house with some friends and am exploring a whole new side of life (for me, anyway): being settled. I never thought I would move to St. Louis, but every day here has been great. I’ve got a wonderful new friend in my dog Laya, a beautiful husky, and it’s been good to get to know my housemates better, now that we’re all done with college. (more…)