It’s in God’s refining fires that the authenticity of our faith is revealed. The purpose of these fiery ordeals is we come forth as purified gold, a likeness of Jesus.

Friends are essential. They provide comfort, encouragement, and strength.

When things don’t go our way it’s tempting to get angry. A better ways is to laugh it off. When you choose to smile in the midst of chaos you’re choosing to rise above your circumstances.

There are teachable moments in life where we suddenly realize we’re adults (or, we’re quickly on our way). One of the heaviest things you will carry is the difficult task of letting your children go. Have you released yours? Will you release them?

Proverbs 18:21 says, “The tongue has the power of life and death.” Words of encouragement can make a life-changing difference to someone in their time of need. Now that’s a sobering thought.

Do you have vision for your kids? It requires knowing them and influencing them in the way they should go. It takes time, patience, and understanding but the rewards of raising a secure and confident child are rich.

If you have a mindset of service, it will reflect in your work and in your relationships. No matter what you do for a living, your job can be an opportunity for you to enrich the lives of others.

God’s ways often seem illogical to us. But when we look back it’s easy to see God was watching out for us and His way really is best.

Christ didn’t arrive with the flare of trumpets or with flags flying. He didn’t demand an announcement for whole the world to hear, though He deserved it. Jesus just walked in. Take some time to reflect on the nature of Jesus Christ’s Incarnation—born to peasant a girl in a smelly barn in an obscure town and worshipped by a few people. This humble story reveals the character of our Messiah, who humbled Himself to save the people He loved.

It’s easy to think we know it all, especially as we get older. Somewhere along the way we lose our teachable spirit. The truth is, regardless of age or education no one has the corner on wisdom. There is never a time we lose our need for the input of others.