Coercion or Persuasion?

Not every Christian has had the good fortune to experience a loving and grace-filled upbringing.  In fact, as I have met many fellow Christians along the road of life, I have found that several of them have been schooled in the fear and damnation theology that just...

Best Friends

Today is my best friend’s birthday! WOOHOO! Don’t worry Wendi, I’m not telling anyone your age because I’m right behind you!!!  Hee, hee!!! Wendi and I have been BFF’s since we were three years old and met while attending preschool in a suburb of Chicago. Our...

Jumpstarting Your Faith

Living in and with faith is down-right hard.   Sigh. In my humanness, I struggle with believing in something I’ve never seen, heard or touched.  Not only is it difficult to wrap my mind around the unseen, but it’s even harder to live faithfully to Jesus Christ in a...

Encouragement

When I started blogging these GEMs over a year ago, I was on a mission to spread a little encouragement to help others while using my gift of writing.  Much to my surprise I think I’ve been encouraged the MOST! I have been amazed by the outpouring of support,...

How to Make 2013…GRRREAT!

I SURE HAVE MISSED YOU, GEM!!!  Between the holidays, traveling and guests, I haven’t had a chance to write!  But, now I’m back and ready for my future!!! Wait a minute!!  It’s three days into the New Year and I already feel like I’m behind the eight ball! WHAT?!?! ...