Returning to the Mountains: A New Story Rooted in Home

As some of you may know, I grew up in the Appalachian Mountain culture. It’s not surprising, then, that the first books I published were four historical novels in the Appalachian Roots series. I’ve written more books in that setting, but it’s been a while. When I began to write my newest book about life in the Great Smoky Mountains around the time of the building of the national park, it felt like coming home, and I’m excited to share that adventure with readers. There is something about those ridges and hollows, their quiet strength and stubborn beauty, that continues to influence the stories I tell.

This newest novel released October 9 and carries that heritage forward through the eyes of Gwenda Stuart, a young woman whose world is the Smoky Mountain valley her family has tended for five generations. When surveyors arrive to map out land for the proposed national park, Gwenda meets Adam Wagoner, the outsider sent to assess the very slopes her people have fought to keep. She dislikes him instantly. He represents change, loss, and the threat of displacement. Yet as he keeps returning—listening to her father, helping neighbors, and learning mountain ways—Gwenda begins to see a man who respects the land as deeply as she does. He's a man who might even help her family negotiate for a fair future. Still, the question haunts her: Can she trust him when the stakes are her home, her heritage, and the only life she’s ever known?

I wrote this story with the hope that readers would feel the tension of that moment in history with the uncertainty, the courage, and the grace that threads through even the hardest decisions. In the shadow of the mountains, grace truly does write a new story. Gwenda’s journey is one of holding on, letting go, and discovering that sometimes the person you least expect becomes the one who stands beside you. He came helping those who wanted to take her land. Now, he may steal her heart. I can’t wait for you to step into the valley with her and experience the beauty, conflict, and hope that shaped the birth of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Gwenda, Great Smoky Mountains Bride is available now in paperback, Kindle, KU, and Audible. Get your copy today.

We're Responsible

When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand (Ezekiel 33:8).

Ezekiel 33 is one of the most sobering passages in Scripture for Christians today. God told the prophet that he was a watchman, someone responsible for sounding the alarm when danger approached. If he failed to warn the wicked, the consequences were not only on the sinner but on the silent watchman himself. That truth should settle deeply into our hearts. We are called to share God’s Word, His warnings, and His hope. Not harshly, not arrogantly, but faithfully and lovingly. Silence may feel easier, but Scripture makes clear that silence carries consequences.

Paul echoed this same burden in his ministry. He said he was “pure from the blood of all men” because he had not shunned to declare the whole counsel of God. He understood that preaching truth was not optional. It was necessary. Whether people listened or rejected the message, Paul’s duty was to speak. Christians today carry that same calling. We are entrusted with the gospel, and we are accountable for how we steward it.

In a world that often prefers comfort over conviction, God’s people must remain faithful watchmen. Sharing truth is an act of love, not judgment. Warning others is an act of compassion, not superiority. When we speak God’s Word with grace, humility, and courage, we fulfill the responsibility He has placed in our hands. And when we do, we can stand before Him knowing we have been faithful to the calling He gave us.

________________________

New Rules, New Posting Style

Facebook has gotten much more aggressive about shifting its algorithm and prioritizing posts that keep users on the platform rather than sending them elsewhere. That means any post containing an external link--whether it’s to a book page, Amazon, a blog, or a website--gets quietly pushed down in visibility. Fewer people see it, fewer people engage with it, and the post simply doesn’t travel as far. It’s just how the system works now. Because of that, many creators have had to rethink how they share their work so their posts don’t get buried before anyone even has a chance to read them.

That’s why I’ve changed the way I share my own links on Facebook. Instead of placing them in the main body of the post, I now tuck them into the comments. It’s twice as time‑consuming for me, and it feels less intuitive than simply placing the link upfront. But doing it this way helps the post reach more people, keeps it from being penalized by the algorithm, and ultimately gives my content a better chance of being seen. It’s a small adjustment with a surprisingly big impact.

I do regret that this makes things slightly less convenient for you, the reader. I’ve always preferred to make access as simple and straightforward as possible. But given the way Facebook now handles outbound links, this compromise helps ensure the message actually reaches you. Hopefully, with time, we can both adjust to this new system--me taking the extra step to place the link in the comments, and you knowing exactly where to find it.

_________________________

The People-Pleasing Trap

The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe (Proverbs 29:25).

Most of us are people pleasers to some degree. It often stems from wanting others to think highly of us, to be accepted, or to avoid conflict. But Scripture warns that living for the approval of people becomes a trap. When our decisions hinge on how others might react, we lose the freedom that comes from trusting God alone. His approval is steady, unchanging, and rooted in love, not in shifting human opinions.

For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ (Galatians 1:10).

The Bible makes it clear that pleasing people and serving Christ often pull in opposite directions. When we chase human praise, we compromise our convictions, soften truth, or exhaust ourselves trying to meet expectations God never placed on us. But when our hearts are anchored in pleasing the Lord, our choices become simpler. His voice becomes the one we follow, and His approval becomes enough.

Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass (Psalm 37:5).

True peace comes when we release the pressure of trying to keep everyone happy and instead commit our ways to God. He guides, strengthens, and blesses the path that is surrendered to Him. When our focus shifts from pleasing man to pleasing God, we walk with confidence, clarity, and rest. The opinions of others may rise and fall, but God’s faithfulness remains constant, and that is where our hearts find freedom. We are to focus on pleasing God, not man.

______________________

Characters and Corners

Meet the people behind the mystery and learn how the setting shapes every choice in Veiled Intentions, where small-town life magnifies secrets and loyalties.

Veiled Intentions is a character-driven story, and at its center are figures who complicate the easy labels of hero or villain. Jenna Osborne is stubborn, observant, and quietly brave; she enters the investigation with the professionalism of someone who intends to keep her heart safely out of it. Brad Foster, the man under suspicion, is the opposite of the stereotype. Where the rumors painted him as rough and underhanded, Brad’s steadiness and unexpected warmth unsettle the expected and invite empathy. Jenna’s twin brother, Hollis, is a catalyst. Twins in fiction often function as mirrors or foils, and here he nudges Jenna into a role she never imagined. His assurance that he’ll be by her side softens Jenna’s resistance, but it also forces her to make unusual choices. The dynamic between them raises the question: how much of who we become is a response to those who believe in us? The pastor is a pivotal secondary character whose belief in Brad introduces moral complexity. In a story built on testimony and evidence, his trust is a counterbalance to the visual claims of bystanders. He reminds readers that character assessment often relies on long-term perceptions rather than a single snapshot of an event. His presence also deepens the community feeling of the setting—a town where relationships matter, and reputations can be defended or destroyed by neighbors.

Veiled Intentions relies on place to amplify the stakes. The region affected by the robberies is small enough that everyone knows someone connected to the case, and rumors travel quickly. That intimacy raises tension: a wrongful accusation has immediate consequences beyond legal penalties. Settings like this act as characters themselves, pressuring inhabitants into decisions they might avoid in anonymity.

• Jenna’s investigative instincts clash with personal attachments.

• Brad’s quiet dignity complicates public assumptions.

• The town’s tightly woven social fabric makes every choice visible.

Together, these elements create a cast and a backdrop that make the central mystery more than a puzzle to solve. They’re what make Veiled Intentions feel lived-in and true: relationships that force moral reckoning, a place that magnifies every whisper, and characters who surprise themselves by changing. In the end, the story becomes not just about uncovering what happened, but about understanding the people shaped by this town and the choices they make under pressure. Readers who enjoy complex heroes, nuanced romances, and settings that matter will find plenty to savor here.

__________________________

 

Christ-Like Fruit

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance… (Galatians 5:22–23).

When Paul lists the fruit of the Spirit, he isn’t simply giving Christians a checklist of virtues to strive for. He is describing the very character of Christ—His nature, His personality, His way of being in the world. These qualities are not abstract ideals; they are the lived-out expression of Jesus Himself. When the Spirit produces these fruits in us, He is shaping us into Christ’s likeness so that the world can see Jesus through us.

Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls (Matthew 11:29).

Jesus invites us to learn of Him, and Paul’s list shows us exactly what that looks like. Christ’s love reached lepers, tax collectors, and sinners. Joy for Him wasn’t dependent on circumstances but flowed from His relationship with the Father. His presence calmed storms, both literal and human. He showed longsuffering with disciples who misunderstood Him. His gentleness welcomed children. Goodness flowed as He healed the broken. Faith carried Him to the cross. In meekness, He chose servanthood over status. With perfect temperance, He resisted every temptation. When we see the fruit of the Spirit, we are seeing the heart of Christ revealed.

To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27).

The fruit of the Spirit is not produced by human effort but by Christ living in us through the indwelling Holy Spirit. When we are born again, the Spirit takes up residence in our hearts, and He begins the lifelong work of shaping us into the image of Christ. He cultivates what we cannot manufacture, Christ’s love in place of irritation, His peace instead of anxiety, His gentleness where harshness once lived. The more we yield to His presence, the more Christ’s own character becomes visible in our daily lives. And that is the hope of glory: not that we become better versions of ourselves, but that the Spirit forms Christ within us so the world can see Him through us.

______________________

Vision of My Heart 

Thank you, Janice, for the opportunity to share about my passion for sharing Jesus through fiction.

I didn't set out to be a novelist. I spent years running an ESL program in my town, and when it closed, I needed a new way to keep doing what I'd always done, pointing people toward Jesus. Turns out fiction works just as well as a classroom. I'm also legally blind, which explains a lot if you've ever watched me navigate a crowded room or a rearranged grocery store. None of that matters much once you open one of my books though, because what you'll find inside is Missouri dust, stubborn horses, faith that gets tested, and love stories that take their sweet time getting where they're going. If you like your Westerns with grit and grace in equal measure, you're in the right place.

Vision of My Heart is the seventh and final book in my Discerning God's Best series, and it belongs to Serafina Shankel, a young woman who loses her sight to smallpox along with the confidence she used to wear so easily. She meets that altered world with quiet dignity instead of complaint. Then a Missouri storm strands her far from home, and a horseman named Connor Finnegan finds her. He's steady, a little dry in his humor, and carrying enough loss of his own to recognize hers. What grows between them has nothing to do with sight and everything to do with the kind of seeing that matters more. [Link to book here.] 
This book stands on its own, but it's also the last stop on a seven-book journey through Shumard Oak Bend, and I'd love for you to read the whole series in order first. Sera and Connor's story lands so much deeper once you've walked the road with everyone who came before them.

This whole series exists because a door closed. When my ESL program shut down, I needed a new platform to keep sharing Christ, and writing became that platform. Seven books later, here we are. But this particular book asked something different of me than the others did. I didn't research Sera's blindness in a book, I researched it in my own life. I still have some vision left, enough to be dangerous, but I know where this road can lead, and I wanted to face that possibility on the page with the same grace I gave Sera. Writing her didn't just tell her story. It helped me practice trusting God with mine.

https://youtu.be/U8Q0u5H0wGU?si=xI5WvnnxBB_BOSd3via @YouTube

____________________________

 

 

 

The Heart's Design

Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life (Proverbs 4:23).

When Scripture speaks of the heart, it is describing the deep center of our inner life — the place where our desires, convictions, and affections are shaped. Modern science, interestingly, has begun to uncover a physical dimension that echoes this biblical truth. Neurocardiology has shown that the heart contains its own network of about 40,000 neurons, capable of sensing, responding, and even forming a kind of “memory.” While this doesn’t make the heart a literal third brain, it does remind us that God designed us with an intricate connection between our spiritual life and our physical being. The heart is not just a pump; it participates in the rhythms of our emotional and spiritual life.

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding (Proverbs 3:5).

Science shows that about 80% of vagus‑nerve signals travel upward toward the brain. Those signals come from several organs, including the heart, and help shape our emotional and physiological responses, influencing areas responsible for emotion, attention, and decision-making. In other words, the heart speaks, and the brain listens. How fitting that Scripture calls us to trust God with all our heart. When the heart is aligned with Him, the signals that rise within us — our emotions, our discernment, our inner peace — become ordered and steady. Heart rhythm studies show that positive emotional states create more coherent patterns, which in turn support clearer thinking. It is a beautiful picture of how spiritual trust can shape emotional stability.

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me (Psalm 51:10).

If the heart influences how we feel and think, then the condition of our heart matters deeply. Science can describe the pathways, but only God can transform the source. David understood that the heart is the wellspring of our moral and spiritual life. When we invite the Lord to cleanse and renew our hearts, we are asking Him to reshape the very signals that guide our thoughts, choices, and responses. A heart surrendered to God produces a mind more attuned to His truth.

Let the peace of God rule in your hearts (Colossians 3:15).

Heart-rhythm research shows that peace is not just a feeling; it is a measurable state that brings order to both heart and brain. Scripture tells us that God’s peace should rule in our hearts, acting like an internal governor over our emotional life. When His peace reigns, the heart sends signals of calm, steadiness, and clarity upward to the mind. Science can observe the effects, but only Christ can supply the source. The more we allow His peace to settle into our hearts, the more our whole inner life — emotional, mental, and spiritual — comes into harmony with Him.

__________________________

The Line Between Seeing and Believing

One of the driving tensions in Veiled Intentions is the struggle between hard evidence and human trust. Jenna Osborne enters her assignment trained to observe, to gather facts, and to keep her emotions firmly in check. Yet the more time she spends with Brad Foster, the more she realizes that facts alone don’t always tell the whole story. His steady kindness and quiet sincerity challenge the narrative she was sent to confirm, raising the uncomfortable question: what do we do when the heart challenges what others claim is true?

This conflict unfolds against a backdrop of robberies and confident eyewitness accounts. But eyewitnesses can be mistaken, and fear can push a community to choose a villain before the truth is clear. The novel invites readers to consider how easily assumptions take root and how difficult it can be to untangle perception from reality. “She came for a criminal. She stayed for a man worth fighting for.” That sentiment captures Jenna’s journey as her sense of duty collides with the unexpected decency she discovers in Brad.

Another thread woven through the story is the power of collective belief. Once a town decides who is guilty, that judgment can ripple outward, shaping reputations and influencing justice. The pastor’s unwavering faith in Brad offers a counterbalance—trust grounded not in forensic proof but in long knowledge of character. His stance doesn’t dismiss the need for evidence; instead, it complicates the picture, reminding readers that character testimony has long played a role in how communities discern truth.

Veiled Intentions doesn’t offer easy answers. Instead, it presents a layered portrait of decision‑making under uncertainty, where loyalty, duty, and affection rarely align neatly. For anyone who has ever wondered whether love clouds judgment or reveals it, Jenna’s struggle will resonate. Ultimately, the story explores what it means to seek justice in an imperfect world—one where intentions can be veiled, and sometimes the clearest witness is the heart itself.

__________________________

Adam's Fall, Jesus' Triumph

Read Matthew 4:1-11 and Genesis 3:1-7.

The temptation of Adam and Eve in Genesis 3 and the temptation of Jesus in Matthew 4 reveal a striking truth: Satan’s strategies haven’t changed. In Eden, the serpent approached Adam and Eve in a garden overflowing with beauty, provision, and fellowship with God. In the wilderness, he approached Jesus in a place of hunger, loneliness, and physical weakness. The contrast is sharp—abundance versus deprivation—yet the core issue is the same. The first Adam fell in perfect conditions, while Jesus, the last Adam, stood firm in the harshest conditions. The setting only highlights the deeper reality: temptation tests trust, not circumstances.

In both accounts, Satan twists truth. With Eve, he begins by questioning God’s word. “Did God really say…?” He mixed a grain of truth with lies and hid the deadly consequences. With Jesus, he quotes Scripture accurately but applies it wrongly, urging reckless actions under the guise of faith. Jesus responds by untwisting the distortion, wielding Scripture with right understanding, and with obedience. The temptations themselves line up: food, identity, and authority. Adam and Eve indulge, grasp for godlikeness, and choose independence. Jesus refuses to misuse His power, refuses to prove His identity on Satan’s terms, and refuses the shortcut to glory. Where Adam and Eve reach for autonomy, Jesus chooses obedience.

At the heart of both stories lies trust. Satan convinces Eve that God is withholding good, that He cannot be fully trusted, and that she should take matters into her own hands. He tries the same tactic with Jesus—prove God’s protection, seize the kingdoms without the cross, use power for self. But Jesus refuses every invitation to distrust the Father. The outcomes could not be more different. Adam and Eve’s fall brings sin, death, and exile; Jesus’ victory brings righteousness, redemption, and restoration. Their stories remind us that temptation is ultimately a question of trust—whether we will believe God’s goodness or grasp for life on our own terms. Jesus shows us the way to triumph.

________________________

Veiled Intentions 

Jenna Osborne never planned on becoming an undercover agent, but when her twin brother convinces her to join The Brides of Liberty Bureau, she reluctantly agrees to help him investigate a man suspected of criminal activity. Brad Foster, however, is nothing like the hardened outlaw she expects. Steady, kind, and quietly compelling, he unsettles her in ways no criminal ever could. As a string of robberies shakes the region, Jenna vows to stay objective. Then, eyewitnesses claim they saw Brad fleeing a bank with money bags and firing shots. With only the pastor defending Brad’s innocence, Jenna must decide whether to trust the evidence or the man who's come to matter to her more than she ever intended.

Veiled Intentions released on Tuesday and is now available in Kindle, Audible, and paperback formats. It’s the first of two books I’ll be contributing to the Mail‑Order Brides Undercover multi‑author series. Each novel stands alone, connected only by the heroines’ secret work for the government‑sanctioned Brides of Liberty Bureau in St. Louis. These agents often pose as mail‑order brides to get close to suspected criminals, a strategy that leads to plenty of tension, unexpected twists, and rich storytelling possibilities.

I’m thrilled to finally share Jenna and Brad’s story with readers who enjoy mystery woven with romance, danger, and emotional depth. If you love undercover missions, moral dilemmas, and a heroine who must choose between duty and the stirrings of her own heart, Veiled Intentions offers all of that and more. I hope you’ll pick up a copy, meet these characters for yourself, and join me as this exciting new series unfolds.

_________________________________

Teach a Child

And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children… (Deuteronomy 6:7).

Teaching a child begins long before formal instruction, and it begins with example. Children learn what faith looks like by watching how we live it. Praying with them at breakfast for the day ahead, praying again at night before bed, and lifting up every concern — exams, trips, worries, and decisions — shows them that God is not a Sunday‑only presence but a daily refuge. When praise and worship are woven naturally into the rhythm of home life, children see firsthand that loving God is not a duty but a joy.

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it (Proverbs 22:6).

Training a child in faith is not a one‑time lesson or an occasional reminder. It is long‑term, steady, and intentional. Faith grows through repetition, consistency, and the quiet patterns of everyday life. When parents and grandparents model prayer, gratitude, and trust in God, they plant seeds that continue to grow long after childhood. Even small habits, such as pausing to thank God for blessings, praying before a difficult conversation, or turning to Scripture for guidance, become lifelong anchors.

We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the Lord… (Psalm 78:4).

Our calling is generational. God designed faith to be passed down, lived out, and demonstrated in real time. Children need to see adults leaning on God, worshiping Him, and seeking His wisdom. They need to hear testimonies of answered prayer and witness the peace that comes from trusting Him. Teaching diligently means showing them that God is faithful in every season and that a life built on Him is a life that stands firm.

_________________________

The Joy of Writing Across Eras

Although I always write for the Christian market, my work spans many subgenres. I’ve never believed in locking an author into a single category unless that’s truly where their heart is. Stories come to us from all directions, and I’m a firm believer that a good writer can step into any field they feel inspired or called to explore. My own writing reflects the many interests God has given me, and I enjoy moving from one era or setting to another as new ideas take shape.

Out of the ninety-five books I have on Amazon, six are set in medieval England, three are set in the 1700s in America, and seventy are set in the 19th century (and most of them are Westerns). Three are set in the 1900s, nine are contemporaries, and three are Christian nonfiction. I have already published one book set in Victorian England, and I have two more scheduled for next year. I also have plans to write novels set in biblical times beginning in 2028. And who knows what the future might hold?

I hope my readers will appreciate all of these different journeys and enjoy my writing style enough to follow wherever the stories lead. Perhaps, like me, they prefer variety, fresh settings, new challenges, and unexpected paths. Writing across so many time periods keeps the work exciting for me, and I pray it brings that same sense of discovery and delight to everyone who reads my books.

________________________

The Treasure of His Presence

Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy (Psalm 16:11).

Whether we realize it or not, God Himself is the true treasure of our lives, the One whose presence brings the deepest joy and meaning. From the very beginning, Scripture paints a picture of a God who delights in closeness with His people. In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve walked with God in the cool of the day, enjoying unhindered fellowship with the One who made them. That nearness was not incidental; it was intentional. God created humanity for companionship, for relationship, for the joy of walking with Him. Every page of Scripture echoes this truth: we were made for His presence.

And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest (Exodus 33:14).

Throughout the Old Testament, God continued to reveal His desire to dwell with His people. The tabernacle of David was far more than a sacred structure; it was a place centered around the Lord’s presence. David understood something many overlook — that God’s presence is the greatest treasure a person can seek. His songs, prayers, and life choices all flowed from a heart that longed to be near God. When we look at Scripture’s great men of faith, we see the same pattern. Enoch walked with God. Abraham was called the friend of God. David was known as a man after God’s own heart. Their distinction was not in their accomplishments, but in their pursuit of God Himself.

Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you (James 4:8).

What set these men apart is the same invitation extended to us today, to seek God’s presence above all else. Their lives remind us that closeness with God is not reserved for a select few; it is available to every believer who desires it. When we pursue Him, we find rest, direction, strength, and joy that cannot be found anywhere else. God still longs for fellowship with His people. He still invites us to walk with Him, to know Him deeply, and to treasure His presence as the greatest blessing of our lives. May we be counted among those who seek Him wholeheartedly, discovering that He Himself is our greatest reward.

____________________________

Amazon Audibles

I have put all my books on Amazon Audible, and I enjoy Audible books myself. I listen about six days a week as I take my two‑mile walk for exercise — something important for me since I spend so much time in front of a computer writing. I also listen while doing mundane household tasks or traveling long distances in a car or airplane. Audiobooks make the time speed by, and I enjoy getting immersed in the stories.

Although I have lost some talented narrators when they left the business or decided not to do royalty share anymore, I still have a great lineup. Since all profits from my books go to a scholarship for missionary children, I don’t want to pay money upfront but prefer to share the profits with my narrators. I try to choose the producer with the best voice for each particular novel.

Although my Audibles had a slow beginning, sales have picked up in the last couple of years. As of today, I have sold 11,672 Audible books. My best‑selling title is Building Something Beautiful, narrated by LB Neibaur. In second place is Off the Streets, narrated by Douglas Birk and Jennifer Groberg, and third is Mistaken Bride, narrated by Douglas Birk and Jennifer Groberg.

For fiction, I much prefer Amazon Audible with narrators over Amazon’s virtual narrations. I want different voices for the different characters, almost like a dramatization, rather than the one‑voice‑fits‑all approach. The variety brings the story to life in a way that feels richer and more engaging. I plan to continue with my narrators and hope for many more excellent Audible books to come.

____________________________

Devotion Instead of Drifting

I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord (Psalm 122:1).

In today’s world, staying connected to God grows harder with each passing year. Technology, entertainment, and constant noise pull at our attention from every direction, making it easy to drift into a life where spiritual things feel distant. Yet Scripture reminds us that gathering with God’s people is not merely a tradition; it is a lifeline. When we choose to step into His house, even for one day each week, our hearts are steadied, our priorities realigned, and our joy renewed.

Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together… but exhorting one another (Hebrews 10:25).

Modern advancements promise convenience, but they often deliver distraction. The world’s influence is stronger than ever, and without intentional effort, it slowly dulls our spiritual sensitivity. Church provides a needed counterbalance, a place where truth is spoken, fellowship strengthens us, and worship lifts our eyes above the material pull of daily life. It is the solid reminder of what truly matters and the anchor that keeps us from drifting.

But it is good for me to draw near to God… (Psalm 73:28).

If we are not diligent, our faith can fade quietly, almost without notice. But when we choose to draw near to God — to worship, to listen, to be encouraged — we remain grounded in His presence. One day set apart for Him helps us resist the carnal, worldly tug and keeps our hearts aligned with eternal things. Staying close to God is not accidental; it is intentional. And every week, He invites us to return, to rest, and to remember that His presence is our greatest need. 

________________________