Beauty for Ashes

A longing to be loved, an unexpected pregnancy, a rushed marriage, a divorce, feelings of worthlessness and a heaping helping of guilt and shame: not exactly the best recipe for a happy and hopeful future.

Unfortunately, Laura’s story is not unique. Fortunately, there is a God who can take the ashes of our mistakes and turn them it into something beautiful. That’s exactly what happened to Laura.

Her story and style of communicating truth is bringing hope to thousands of young people across the country. She helps them understand that God has never wanted to condemn or control them, but protect them from the one who seeks to steal, kill, and destroy.

From heartbreak to healing and restoration, Laura’s story not only gives hope to young people, especially girls, but to their parents as well. I encourage every mom and dad to listen; your children desperately need you, now more than ever.

Listen to Laura as she shares her heart on the Family & Stories Podcast.

They Walk With A Limp

Wrapped in a comfy robe, I leaned back in my favorite deck chair sipping a steaming caramel latte. The covered deck of my beachfront home extended beyond the second-floor family room with tall neatly aligned palm trees on both sides. A peaceful unfettered view of a...

Changing Perspective

It has been said that time heals all things. As a 70-year-old father and grandfather, I disagree. Time alone cannot heal; not the grief of losing a loved one, the heartache of a broken relationship, or the regret of a horribly wrong decision. Only God, through Jesus...

A Changed Heart – A Changed Mind

Tuesdays were counseling day. My receptionist knocked on the door rather early, 8:30 am, and ushered in a middle-aged woman. We’ll call her Judith. Business dress, classy with just the right balance of jewelry and makeup. Appeared to be a very successful and...

The Heart is a Canvas

Raising children is neither a science or a mathematical equation to be solved, it’s an art. When your children are born, think of their hearts like a canvas, awaiting the brush strokes of an artist. And God made no mistake when he chose you to be the artist of your...

Is Consequence a Good Teacher?

Have you ever heard a parent say, “Well, I guess he will just have to learn his lesson the hard way.” I have, and it always makes me cringe because the hard way can be far more than you bargained for. Should children learn that the gas flames on the stove are hot by...

Reflections in the Mirror

As April looked intently into the foggy mirror above the bathroom sink; she could not imagine how God could possibly love the woman whose image she saw in the reflection. The replay button of her mind seemed stuck in the on position; constantly reminding her of...

Adolescence – Fact or Fiction?

Educators, psychologists and other proponents of adolescence have managed to convince the world that teenagers are unable to make good decisions and if not closely supervised would live irresponsible undisciplined lives. Sigmund Freud wrote this in an essay he...

I must be Schizophrenic

“I must be Schizophrenic,” you say. “What other explanation could there be?” “II Cor. 5:17 says that when a person is in Christ, he or she becomes a new creation; that old things pass away and everything becomes new. If that’s true, then why haven’t I changed, why...

Free Man or Slave?

Who’s your task master? Who brings the whip down when you fail to perform? For the children of Israel it became the Egyptians. They certainly didn’t start out as slaves. In fact, God delivered them from a severe famine through Joseph. Now living in Egypt, with...

A Bridge of Love Rebuilt

“Great Grandma,” he said as he reached to wrap his arms around her neck for a big hug. “You know what?” “What Justin?” “This has been the best Christmas ever.” She leaned forward in her arm chair and with the biggest grandma squeeze she could muster, said. “Well, I...

Remembering

Goose bumps quickly formed on my arms and legs from the water. How the water could be so cold in such a hot country was beyond me, but it did serve as inspiration to soap up as fast as possible. And then, as if on cue, the water pressure suddenly dropped and reduced...

It Was Easier for Your Parents, Right?

If you were to ask a young parent, do you think raising your children is more difficult today than it was for your parents, most would answer yes. They would immediately point to the conditions of our society and the many temptations facing their children. But,...

Father to Son

I watched you struggling to stay on all fours when you were learning to crawl. I reached out to catch you when you took your first steps and ran alongside as you rode your bike for the first time without training wheels. Your first base hit, winning the grueling 800...

Don’t Wait Any Longer

The male nurse lifted him from the reclined chair and laid him in the hospital bed with little effort. This once proud man often boasted of his six foot, 180 pound physic which had been reduced to 102 pounds of skin and bones. The colostomy bag and catheter had...

“Why, Grandpa?” Sandy Hook Elementary

“Why would someone do that Grandpa?” That was the question my grandson asked me the evening of the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School. It’s a question that myriads of experts will attempt to answer in the weeks and months to come. I answered this way, “there’s...

What Do Children Really Need?

Exhausted, Michael lay in bed with his eyes wide open unable to sleep. The plans for tomorrow and worries about the future were racing through his mind as they so often did late at night. Sharon was sound asleep; she too was exhausted and hadn’t moved a muscle in...

Help Wanted – Father with Shepherd’s Heart

No experience necessary - must be willing to learn - on call 24/7 - only those willing to give their life need apply – not for the faint of heart Most jobs require some experience or at least an apprenticeship under the watchful eye of a journeyman. However, when it...

Parent or Grandparent!
Grandpa Jimmy has a gift for you.

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Beauty for Ashes

Beauty for Ashes

Parent or Grandparent!Grandpa Jimmy has a gift for you.

Parent or Grandparent!
Grandpa Jimmy has a gift for you.