Anna Rendell

There’s nothing like a good ol’ neighborhood gathering, and summer is the perfect time to fire up the grill and connect with nearby folks in your community. This comes naturally for some of us - we chat with neighbors daily, the kids play together, and carpooling and housesitting are the norm. Other neighborhoods aren’t quite as connected; someone moved in next door six months ago and you haven’t met them yet. People come and go from work and all … [Read more...] about How to Share God’s Love Through Neighborhood Gatherings

There are so many things we place value on today. Our gorgeous homes, our fast cars, our long lists of accomplishments. And, while these things are truly valuable - in one sense or another - God calls us to treasure our relationships above all else. First, we should place our worth in our relationship with Him. And, then in our relationship with our spouse. This is why I choose daily not to take my spouse or my marriage for granted. Several key … [Read more...] about Key Scriptures for Strong Marriages

On this Father’s Day, we ask you to join us in a quick prayer to honor dads, husbands, sons, and all the men in our lives. Let’s praise God for placing these honorable, kind, gentle souls in our paths for His loving light to shine through, providing us with a beautiful example of what it means to live for God. Dear God, Thank you for all the fathers and father-figures in this world and for the many ways you use them to lovingly guide others … [Read more...] about A Prayer for Dads

Hammock? Check.  Lemonade? Check.  A good book? Check.  An afternoon all to yourself? Check.  Mix those four ingredients together and you have a recipe for a perfect summer afternoon. So why can’t you relax? Why is your mind racing a mile a minute, as usual? What seems to be missing? There is one more secret ingredient needed for this dish and it is often overlooked - a spirit at peace.  For many of us, pushing the pause button is … [Read more...] about 6 Verses to Help You Rest this Summer

I was well into my 30’s when I learned to love my dad for who he is; not for who I thought he should be. He’s always been a good man – a hard worker, volunteer, churchgoer, encourager. But growing up, I thought I needed more from him – more hugs, more tenderness, more lets-sit-down-and-talk-about-our-feelings. I was angry, compared him to others, blamed some of my life choices on my perception that he wasn’t “there” enough.  But the truth … [Read more...] about What the Father Says About Fathers