'But God'

  He had every reason to dislike Christmas. Times were different; a different time and place, a different era. The culture was different. Holidays and celebrations were something others did. Something other people took part in. Life was tough. Hard. The luxury of a day off was not something these mountain people could afford to take. Who was this man called Santa? He had heard about him in fleeting ways; in the brief short times he could attend school. Christmas pageants and baked goods. Dreams and tales of Christmas candies, banquets, and feasts, with unending presents. These were just some of the tall tales and stories he had heard. Why hadn't Santa ever brought him something? Where was this Santa when he was working so hard? There would not be a tree or decorations, and no candies or gifts would be strewn throughout the house. He tried so very hard to be good, but this Santa never came to his house. He made it to other houses. He made it to houses where the kids weren't quit...

  Testimony of Victory: Kayden’s Journey Home Losing my grandson, Kayden, was one of the most heartbreaking experiences of my life. In 2020, through no fault of my own, I found myself in a situation where false accusations, manipulation, and systemic failures resulted in him being taken from my care. It felt like my whole world had come crashing down. Kayden, who I had raised since 2012 in a stable and loving home, was suddenly gone. The pain was indescribable. For nearly four years, I fought tirelessly to bring him back. It was a journey marked by legal battles, endless prayers, and moments when hope seemed just out of reach. The emotional toll was heavy—not just on me, but on my family and Kayden himself, who was caught in a web of instability and manipulation that no child should ever have to endure. There were countless sleepless nights when I poured out my heart in prayer, asking God for justice, for protection over Kayden, and for the truth to prevail. There were times when t...

    The Man in White...     Many years ago, when my husband and I were still just dating we had a disagreement, and I really thought it was over. We’d broken up and decided not to see each other anymore. I drove myself to a park to sit by the water where I could watch the Mallards and pray. In fact, it was the very same park we’d met at. I guess I just felt the need to be there. Anyway, I sat on a park bench facing the pond and prayed quietly and I couldn’t help myself. I was pretty upset so I began crying quietly as I asked the Lord what to do or if I should do anything. Out of the blue, a very nice-looking young man came walking over to me. He was all dressed in white which I remember at the time thinking was odd because it was a park with lots of dirt, kids on skateboards, riding bikes and kicking up dirt, and of course the pond. I personally have an aversion to even wearing white because it gets dirty so easily, so it really stood out. He came over...