John Quincy Adams wrote often to his mother, Abigail Adams, even as an adult. And what stands out isn’t anything dramatic. It’s the tone.

Respect. Thoughtfulness. A kind of steady connection that didn’t seem to fade with time.

In one letter, he writes:

“My conduct through life has been much influenced by your instructions and example.”

That’s not something you write casually. It’s the kind of thing you say after time has passed – after you have made your own decisions and lived with the results. After you’ve had enough time and distance to see what actually shaped you.

What Stands Out

He doesn’t write like someone who has moved on from needing or loving his mother. He sounds like someone who still values her. You see it in the way he addresses her:

“My ever honored and revered Mamma . . .”

There is respect there. And affection. A steadiness that doesn’t fade, even as he gets older.

In the same letter as above, he reflects on the kind of life he wants to live:

“My conduct through life has been much influenced by your instructions and example and I hope I shall always act so as to do justice to your instructions. I feel more and more the importance of those principles which you early instilled into me.”

He isn’t writing this as a child trying to please his mother. He’s writing as a grown man who had already stepped into his own responsibilities, and he’s telling her that what she taught him still matters – and that he’s thinking about it, even as an adult.

That’s what stands out.

As adults, it’s easy for that relationship to shift into something more distant – less conversation, less asking, less sharing. Not necessarily on purpose. Just slowly.

But his letters don’t feel like that. They feel like someone who still sees his mother as someone worth listening to, worth honoring – not out of obligation but because he genuinely values her.

Bringing It Closer to Home

Most of us aren’t writing long letters anymore. Life is faster, and communication is usually shorter.

But the larger question remains.

Do we still talk to our mothers like that?

Do we still treat them as people worth listening to carefully?

Do we speak to them with patience?

Not out of duty – but real conversation.

Do we ask what they think?

Do we take the time to listen?

Do we tell them what’s actually going on?

As adults, our relationship with our mothers often changes in quiet ways. It’s easy to let meaningful conversations with your mother get replaced by quick updates. Staying connected to your mother as an adult doesn’t usually happen automatically as life gets busy.

As adults, learning how to communicate well with your parents – and especially your mother – takes more intention than it used to. Relationships naturally change over time, but they can also be strengthened in small, consistent ways.

A Small Shift

It doesn’t have to be complicated.

A phone call that isn’t rushed.

A question you actually wait for the answer to.

Taking a few minutes to listen instead of moving on.

Those small choices often shape the relationship with your mother over time more than we realize. And over time, they may matter more than we think. Because what you see in Adam’s letter isn’t just respect – it’s a relationship that didn’t fade as life moved on.

And that doesn’t happen by accident.

The post A Letter From a Son to His Mother – What It Shows About Our Mothers appeared first on 93.7 The Light.

Mary Magdalene had just come with astonishing news: The stone had been rolled away, and the body of Jesus was gone.

The Race to the Empty Tomb

Peter and John immediately set out to see for themselves.

John, who wrote the account in his Gospel, includes an interesting detail:

So they both ran together, and the other disciple outran Peter and came to the tomb first.

(John 20:4)

It is such a small note that it almost feels humorous. John makes sure the reader knows he got there first.

For centuries readers have smiled at that line. Even in the middle of the most important morning in history, a little bit of friendly rivalry seems to appear between the two men.

John was probably younger, and he outran Peter.

But when he reached the tomb, he stopped. He stooped down and looked inside, seeing the linen burial cloths lying there, yet he did not go in.

Moments later Peter arrived.

And Peter did what Peter often did.

He charged straight inside.

John records it simply:

Simon Peter arrived just after him. He entered the tomb and saw the linen cloths lying there.

(John 20:6)

It is a scene that perfectly reflects the personalities we see throughout the Gospels. Peter was bold and impulsive. He was often the first to speak, the first to act, and sometimes the first to make a mistake. When he arrived at the tomb, hesitation did not seem to occur to him.

John, by contrast, appears more observant and reflective. He noticed details. He paused.

So the morning unfolds exactly as we might expect.

John runs faster. Peter walks straight in.

Yet the differences between the two disciples were about more than personality.

They also seem to have come from somewhat different social circles.

John appears to have had connections that Peter did not. Earlier in the Gospel accounts, when Jesus was arrested and taken to the high priest’s house, John was known there and was able to enter the courtyard. Peter could not even get inside until John spoke to the servant girl at the door and brought him in (John 18:15-16).

They were different men – different temperaments, different backgrounds, perhaps even different social standing.

Yet on that morning, both of them stood in the same place.

The empty tomb of Jesus.

After Peter entered, John finally stepped inside as well.

Then he writes something simple and remarkable:

Then the other disciple . . . also went in. And he saw and believed.

(John 20:8)

That line is striking. John does not describe thunder or lightning. There is no dramatic speech. There are only the linen cloths lying where the body had been. Yet somehow in that moment, the truth began to dawn.

The tomb was empty.

And both of these very different men were beginning to believe.

The Easter resurrection story includes many dramatic moments, but it also includes small human ones like this.

Two friends running. A little rivalry along the way. Different personalities, different backgrounds.

Yet both of them standing together at the same empty tomb, slowly realizing that everything had changed.

These and the other witnesses to the first Easter were ordinary men and women with their own strengths, weaknesses, and differences.

But when they encountered the risen Christ, those differences did not matter at all compared to the truth they had come to see.

The tomb was empty.

And that truth is big enough for everyone to believe.

The post Why John Stopped at the Empty Tomb appeared first on 93.7 The Light.

Walk into many churches on Easter morning and you will likely see them immediately – rows of Easter lilies with their tall stems, glossy leaves, and white trumpet-shaped blossoms arranged on the stage or near the pulpit.

Easter lilies have become such a familiar part of Easter Sunday that many people assume the tradition goes back to the early church and never ask: Why are Easter lilies used at Easter?

I remember thinking it had something to do with the “lily of the valley” mentioned in Scripture, but in reality, the story of why Easter lilies are used at Easter is a mix of symbolism, church tradition, and even a fascinating chapter of American farming history.

The Meaning of Easter Lilies in Christianity

The Easter lily (Lilium longiflorum) has long been associated with themes that fit beautifully with the message of Easter.

Its pure white petals have traditionally symbolized purity, hope, and new life. The flower’s trumpet shape almost seems to announce good news – an image that fits well with the joy of resurrection morning.

Even the way the plant grows carries a meaningful picture. A lily grows from a bulb buried in the ground. For months nothing is visible above the soil. Then a stem suddenly pushes upward and bursts into bloom.

It’s a powerful reminder of the Easter story.

From the tomb came life.

Christ was buried, yet on the third day He rose again.

As Jesus said, I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in Me will live, even though they die (John 11:25).

It was because of this symbolism that churches began using lilies as Easter altar flowers.

How Easter Lilies Became an Easter Tradition

Interestingly, the Easter lily is not native to the United States. It originally comes from islands in southern Japan.

In the late 1800s. plant collectors introduced the lily to Europe and North America, where it became a favorite with gardeners. By the early twentieth century, growers had learned how to carefully control temperature and light so the plants would bloom right around Easter Sunday.

Florists began selling them as “Easter lilies,” and churches embraced them as a natural picture of the resurrection. And within a few decades, the flower had become one of the most recognizable Easter decorations.

The Unexpected Oregon Story behind Easter Lilies

One of the most fascinating parts of the Easter lily story involves the American West Coast.

Before World War II, nearly all Easter lily bulbs used in the United States were imported from Japan. But when the war started, that supply suddenly disappeared.

American growers had to find another source.

Farmers along the southern Oregon coast and northern California coast began experimenting with growing the bulbs. The cool coastal climate – often foggy and mild – turned out to be perfect for lily production.

Soon hundreds of farmers were growing them. At one point more than 1,000 growers in the Brookings, Oregon area were producing Easter lily bulbs. Competition became so intense that locals jokingly called the boom the “Easter Lily War.”

Today the industry is smaller, but most Easter lily bulbs used in the United States still come from a narrow coastal region around Brookings, Oregon, and Smith River, California. Every spring millions of lilies grown from those bulbs are shipped across the country just in time for Easter.

One of the Hardest Flowers to Grow

Another surprising fact about Easter lilies is how much work goes into producing them.

Growing a single Easter lily bulb takes three to four years in the field before it is ready for commercial use. During that time farmers must carefully protect the plants from disease and harvest the bulbs at exactly the right moment.

After harvest, the bulbs are sent to greenhouse growers who control temperature and light so they bloom for Easter.

Because the date of Easter changes every year, growers must adjust their schedules constantly. If the lilies bloom too early or too late, they lose much of their value.

More Than Decoration

Easter lilies are more than a beautiful spring flower. From a bulb buried in the earth comes a flower bursting with life – a fitting picture of the resurrection Christians celebrate each Easter.

And every Easter morning, the same message is proclaimed again:

He is not here; for He is risen (Matthew 28:6).

The post Why Are Easter Lilies Everywhere at Easter? appeared first on 93.7 The Light.

I highly recommend you take a moment to pull out a map or pull one up on your phone and look at it. Look at both a map of the United States and a global map that identifies the Tradewinds and wind patterns. These winds switch from season to season and depending on where you live will impact your weather.

Definitions

Lion — unsettled, harsh, cold, windy wintery

Lamb — more stable, calmer, gentler, warmer

Polar Jet Stream — northern arctic colder air pushing south

Subtropical Jet Stream — southern tropic warmer moist air pushing north

Patterns

The fluctuation between the movement of the jet streams vying for dominance determines whether the month of March comes in like a Lion or a Lamb. During the winter months the Polar Jet Stream typically can push into the southern portions of the United States. As spring unfolds, the Subtropical Jet Stream begins to push north. The push and pull between both of these streams create unstable weather.

The Farmers’ Almanac (FA) was first published in the 1790s to inform people and assist in predicting weather for agricultural planning. The FA provided estimated frost dates and planting windows, along with historical weather records. Based upon repeated FA observations of “stormy early Marches and milder late Marches,” an easy memorable slogan emerged, “In Like a Lion, Out Like a Lamb.”

March and Tornado Season

March is only the beginning of the tornado season. Tornado peak activity is May and June. The tornado season is transient to various parts of the United States depending on the dip and rise of the Jet Streams mentioned earlier. March tornadoes often occur in late afternoon or evening, are fast moving, and frequently occur in lines of storms that span the conflicting fronts.

Tornado season often begins in the southern plains and deep south and expands northward as the Polar Jet Stream recedes north and the upward drift of the Subtropical Jet Stream. Tornado season is characterized by strong frontal systems, deep low-pressure systems, powerful wind events, and severe thunderstorms.

Average Tornado Activity in Ohio

Ohio averages 20 tornadoes a year. Prior to 2007 tornadoes were measured by an F-Scale (Fujita). Since 2007, there has been a modification and the scale is now known as the EF-Scale (Enhanced Fujita). Most Ohio tornadoes are weak to moderate (EF0-EF1). There are some strong tornadoes (EF2-EF3), while violent tornadoes (EF4-EF5) are rare, but devastatingly historic. Western and Central Ohio typically have a higher tornado frequency west of the I-71 corridor. The flatter terrain and proximity to advancing warm fronts creates this incubator for tornado development.

Top 5 Historical Tornadoes in Ohio

1. 1974 Xenia Tornado — Xenia & Surrounding Areas

April 3, 1974

F5

34 people died (including 2 Ohio Air National Guardsmen who died in a fire during disaster assistance), 1,150 were injured, and the tornado produced widespread destruction.

This tornado was part of the infamous 1974 Super Outbreak.

2. 1924 Lorain and Sandusky Tornado — Northern Ohio

June 28, 1924

F4

85 people died and this tornado is the deadliest single tornado in Ohio history.

3. 1985 Niles and Wheatland Tornado — Northeastern Ohio & Western Pennsylvania

May 31, 1985

F5

18 people died with 310 people injured.

4. 2019 Dayton Tornado — Dayton Area

May 27, 2019

EF4

Over 160 people were injured as well as massive home and infrastructure damage.

5. 2010 Millbury Tornado — Northwest Ohio

June 5, 2010

EF4

7 people died with heavy damage in Wood County.

5 Ways to Prepare

Ohio storms move fast and you may have only minutes to respond once a warning is issued. Many tornadoes in Ohio occur in late afternoon and evening, and therefore it is important to have alerts that can wake you if you are sleeping.

1. Know Your Safe Place Before the Warning

• Basement (best option)
• If no basement: small interior room on the lowest level
• Stay away from windows
• Avoid mobile homes during warning

2. Have Multiple Ways to Receive Warnings

• A NOAA weather radio
• Emergency alerts enabled on your smartphone
• Local TV or radio broadcasts
• Weather apps with push notifications

3. Prepare a Tornado Emergency Kit

• Flashlight (with extra batteries)
• Phone charger or battery pack
• First aid kit
• Bottled water
• Sturdy shoes (debris injuries are common)
• Medications and important documents

4. Be Aware of Ohio’s Seasonal Pattern

• Warm humid air masses
• Strong winds forecasted
• Enhanced or moderate risk warnings

5. Strengthen Home & Family Preparedness

• Secure loose outdoor items
• Review insurance coverage (home and auto)
• Practice a family tornado drill
• Make sure children understand where to go
• Plan for pets

We need to be aware of the weather threats, make preparations, but NOT be in FEAR! Place God’s word in your heart. God wants us to have knowledge and be aware of our surroundings because without that Hosea 4:6a states, ”My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge.” The Bible speaks against us having fear in 2 Timothy 1:7, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”

Let’s pray: “Dear God, help us be aware of the upcoming threats while simultaneously believing you have provided knowledge to increase our safety. But, most of all, we pray for your continued protection that covers us as we depend upon Psalm 91 and Psalm 23. You are our Great Shepherd and our Hiding Place. AMEN!”

The post Tornado Season Starts In March In Ohio: What To Know appeared first on 93.7 The Light.

This is a lot of cash spent in the process of exchanging the notion of love. So often the actual sentiment of love during the month of February is either philia (deep friendship), storge (family), ludus (playful), or eros (passionate/romantic).

The ultimate love is agape (selfless, spiritual, God love). As Christians we strive to duplicate, but fall far short. Because of our dwarfed mortal capacity of understanding, we do not truly grasp the depth of God’s love.

Hopefully this acrostic narrative poem will shed a glimpse into God’s AGAPE LOVE.

L

Loyal (Covenant Keeping)

Before we knew how to choose Him, He chose us.

Through wandering hearts, broken promises, and seasons of forgetting,

God remained — faithful when we were faithless,

Steadfast when the road bent away from Him.

His love does not flicker with our obedience;

It stands, sealed by covenant, written not in ink but in blood and mercy.

Scripture:

Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

(Lamentations 3:22-23)

If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful because he cannot be untrue to himself.

(2 Timothy 2:13)

O

Omnipotent and Omnipresent

There is no depth where His love cannot reach,

No height where His voice cannot call us home.

He speaks galaxies into being,

Yet whispers comfort to the weary soul.

His power holds the universe together, and His presence sits beside us in the waiting,

Proving that love this vast is never distant.

Scripture:

Where can I go from Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.

(Psalm 139:7-10)

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

(Matthew 19:26)

V

Victorious

Agape love does not retreat in the face of darkness — it advances.

On a cross meant for shame, love won.

Sin was silenced, death was defeated, and hope stepped out of a borrowed tomb.

This love conquers fear, breaks chains, and declares that nothing —

Nothing has the final word but God.

Scripture:

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.

(Romans 8:37)

Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

(1 Corinthians 15:57)

E

Eternal

Before time began, His love existed.

When time fades, His love will remain.

It does not age, weaken, or expire.

It waits for prodigals, holds generations, and stretches beyond the grave.

This is a love with no ending — only invitation.

Scripture:

I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.

(Jeremiah 31:3)

Love never fails.

(1 Corinthians 13:8a)

The post God is L.O.V.E appeared first on 93.7 The Light.

We live in a time of constant commentary. Opinions are everywhere – on the news, on social media, in podcasts, group chats, and even at the coffee shop or grocery store. We are encouraged to have a take on everything and to share it quickly. Silence is often mistaken for indifference, and restraint can look like weakness.

It’s no surprise that many people feel mentally tired. The exhaustion doesn’t come from thinking deeply but from being pulled into reaction again and again. In a world overflowing with opinions, what many of us long for is wisdom.

The Difference between Opinions and Wisdom

Opinions are easy to form. Wisdom is not. Opinions tend to be fast, emotional, and responsive to the moment. Wisdom, by contrast, is slow. It requires listening, reflection, humility, and time. Scripture often draws this distinction. The book of Proverbs reminds us that the one who has knowledge restrains his words (Proverbs 17:27), not because words are unimportant but because discernment matters.

Not everything requires a response. One of the subtle pressures of our time is that we must weigh in on every issue, express every thought, and react publicly to every event. But biblical wisdom does not equate constant speaking with faithfulness. In fact, James warns us to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry (James 1:19). That kind of restraint feels countercultural in an age of instant opinions.

Why Wisdom Grows Best in Listening

Wisdom grows best in listening. Wise people ask questions before making declarations. They seek understanding before judgment. They are willing to say, “I don’t know enough yet” or “This really isn’t my concern.” Choosing to listen carefully is one of the wisest things you can do.

Another difference between opinions and wisdom is volume. Opinions tend to be loud. Wisdom is often quiet. It doesn’t demand attention. Scripture describes wisdom as something we are to seek diligently, like treasure, not something we display for applause. Wisdom often shows itself not in arguments won, but in lives lived in patience, kindness, and self-control.

What Jesus Teaches Us about Discernment

Discernment in everyday life doesn’t mean disengaging from the world or caring less. It means caring more wisely. Jesus Himself modeled this. He did not respond to every accusation, answer every challenge, or explain Himself to every critic. Sometimes He spoke directly. Other times He withdrew. Wisdom includes knowing when to speak and when to remain silent.

Wisdom Shows Up in How We Live

Wisdom also reveals itself in how we live, not just in what we say. It shows up in giving others the benefit of the doubt, in kind responses, and in choosing peace over provocation. In a time when opinions are plentiful and outrage is rewarded, choosing wisdom may look unimpressive, but it is deeply profound.

We do not need fewer thoughts, but we do need to not give in to the demand to react. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). True wisdom does not come from our opinions but from humility before God.

When we slow down, listen more than we speak, and resist the pressure to weigh in on everything, wisdom can grow – often in ways that shape us far more deeply than our opinions ever could.

The post Why We Need Fewer Opinions and More Wisdom appeared first on 93.7 The Light.

Do we ignore the signs God placed in the Bible and chalk them up to a different time and excuse ourselves from the reality that God is the original architect of waiting longer and lingering? “By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done” (Genesis 2:2-3 NIV). God didn’t rest because He was tired, He rested to demonstrate a pattern of living that included fellowship with Him outside of work.

Waiting longer and lingering in God’s presence creates an atmosphere of PEACE. Jesus is the Prince of Peace. God has been calling His loved ones into a place of lingering longer since day seven of creation, and reiterates that call in Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” God’s very existence should entice us to draw nearer to Him and experience His overwhelming omnipresence.

It is interesting to find that individuals showcased in the Bible that waited and lingered longer had an extra portion of peace, power, and purpose. Joshua in the book of Exodus is one of those individuals. Joshua was the loyal attendant, military commander, and designated successor of Moses. This great responsibility was because in Exodus 33:11 we see the character and practice of Joshua. “The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend. Then Moses would return to the camp, but his young aide Joshua son of Nun did not leave the tent.” Joshua went on to lead the Israelites across the Jordan River, into the Promised Land and conquer the “giants” and secure what God had promised. Warring victory can only come from lingering longer in God’s presence before we tackle the struggles that face us.

Hannah in 1 Samuel 1 lingered longer in the temple, crying and despairing for a child that humanly was impossible because of her infertility. “In her deep anguish Hannah prayed to the LORD, weeping bitterly. As she kept on praying to the LORD, Eli observed her mouth. Hannah was praying in her heart, and her lips were moving but her voice was not heard. Eli thought she was drunk” (1 Samuel 1:10, 12-13 NIV). Hannah’s extended time lingering longer in the presence of the LORD miraculously opened her womb and she became pregnant and gave birth to Samuel. Samuel’s purpose was showcased in the books of 1 and 2 Samuel. He was a mighty man of God for his time that was birthed from his mother’s prayers.

In the New Testament (Luke 10:38-42), the sisters Mary and Martha (the sisters of Lazarus) represent the modern pattern of busyness. Jesus had come to spend time with the family and Martha was busy with the food and house preparations to make sure everything was wonderful for her guests. Jesus was talking to the guests. Mary was sitting at His feet, waiting and lingering longer at the tremendous words spilling out to the emotionally and spiritually hungry individuals in His presence. Martha was appalled that Mary was sitting at Jesus’ feet and not helping her in the kitchen. Martha even confronts Jesus and asks Him to make Mary come and help her. Jesus’ reply, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed – or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” More than our physical busyness, God desires our sitting at His (Jesus’) feet lingering longer.

Finally, Jesus also demonstrated as God did on that seventh day of creation, the need to linger longer and enjoy the fellowship God intended outside of work. This fellowship refreshed, rejuvenated, and empowered Jesus to complete His earthly ministry all the way to the cross. It is recorded at least nine times in the Bible that Jesus retreated from the crowds to be alone with God.

Since God and Jesus both found it important to pull away from the busyness of work to enjoy fellowship of God’s presence to refresh, rejuvenate, and empower the realignment with the peace, power, and purpose of God, shouldn’t we also do the same? Let’s not count lingering longer in God’s presence as wasted time. It is essential time to our physical, mental, and spiritual health. It is time that builds our “Full Armor of God” to withstand the attacks of the enemy (Ephesians 16:10-18). God has provided, through His and Jesus’ examples, that lingering longer in His presence is vital to our successful navigation of the modern day stressors.

The post Wait Longer and Linger appeared first on 93.7 The Light.

Many of us tell ourselves we will open our homes again when things are calmer. When the house is cleaner. When the schedule feels lighter. When we have the energy to cook a proper meal. But real Christian community was never meant to depend on ideal conditions. In fact, the quieter and darker months after the holidays may be the most important time to practice it.

Hospitality does not require a spotless home or a three-course meal. It does not demand matching dishes, carefully planned menus, or “Christmas” energy. Scripture calls us to show hospitality without grumbling (1 Peter 4:9) – not without mess. Biblical hospitality is not about impressing others; it is about creating a space where someone else feels welcomed and loved.

Why Messy Hospitality Matters after the Holidays

If you wait until your house is immaculately clean and your energy is high, you will never open your door this winter. So I want to challenge you to embrace messy hospitality. This is inviting people into your real life – unfolded laundry, mismatched socks, and all. We don’t need a perfectly decorated house to provide spiritual warmth. Letting a friend see a messy living room lets her feel less alone in hers.

Winter hospitality looks different, and that’s okay. It might mean simple soup and bread. It might mean inviting someone over for coffee at the kitchen table with mismatched mugs and honest conversation. Messy hospitality says, You don’t need to be impressed – you just need to be here. The busyness of Christmas fades, but the need for connection does not.

Community after Christmas often happens in smaller, quieter ways. A simple invitation can remind someone that they are seen and remembered in a season that is often isolating.

If you are wondering what messy hospitality might look like in practice, start small. Invite someone over for soup on a weeknight. Open a package of crackers and slice cheese. Host dessert instead of dinner. An afternoon coffee and a couple cookies.

Invite someone to join you for leftovers after church or to join you for a walk. And keep your invitations simple: “Our house is a little chaotic, but we’d love to see you.”

Make it clear that they are free to come as they are – really. Sweatpants and slippers are welcome. Sitting on the couch under a blanket with a cup of tea provides more welcome and warmth than the finest dinnerware and most elaborate menu ever could.

And this needs to be easier on you too. Set a timer for fifteen minutes and clean what you can. Whatever isn’t clean when the timer goes off stays messy. You don’t need to apologize for what you didn’t do. Hospitality flourishes when hosts are at ease.

Don’t wait until your house is flawless or you feel “ready” for guests. Invite one person over this Tuesday precisely because you’re tired. Hospitality isn’t a one-way street. Your burdens and isolation will be lightened in community as well.

The post Community after Christmas: Messy Hospitality in 2026 appeared first on 93.7 The Light.

I researched the following three categories: Spiritual Health, Emotional Health, and Physical Health as possible changes people attempt to make in a new year. I was looking for statistics of the number of people who begin a New Year’s resolution as compared to those who successfully complete those same goals. I was surprised by what I found.

Physical Health resolutions range from 48%-79% of respondents identifying this as their choice depending on the survey cited. I was surprised that Spiritual Health isn’t a category. The closest possible option was looking at Emotional and Mental Health combined or as separate categories. Emotional and Mental Health aren’t easy to categorize because of the personal variables that feed into assessing baseline levels. A 2024 Forbes Health/OnePoll indicated 36% of respondents cited they resolved for improved mental health.

The question is, “How many of those choosing to make a pledge successfully complete that resolution?” Again, depending on the source of the survey you can find different statistics. A 2020-2021 survey stated that at a 1-year follow up 55% of respondents considered themselves successful. However, it also found that people who chose starting a positive habit versus stopping a bad habit saw almost a 60% success rate. A different survey found that after two years only 19% still considered their original resolution successful.

What were the two biggest take-aways I discovered that improve the success rate of accomplishing the resolutions?

1. Make small easy to accomplish goals.

Personal paced, small changes over time will make a long-term impact into your life.

2. Frame your resolution as a positive, ”I will” versus a negative, “I’ll give up or stop.”

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13).

Specific Small Step Positive Actions to Add to Your 2026

Spiritual Health

● Faith vs Fear framing of your life events. This can only be accomplished by saturating your surroundings with scripture. You can be very creative to achieve this by varying your intake into reading your Bible, listening to an audio Bible, and/or watching scripture videos.

● Think on these things, as Philippians 4:8 exhorts: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praise worthy – think about such things” (NIV).

Emotional Health

● Learn the full Serenity Prayer. Ask God to help keep you focused on what you can do, and knowing that He will make all things right.

● Stay in your own lane. Many times we take on someone else’s burdens that really are not ours to bear.

● Guard your heart (Proverbs 4:23 TLB), “Above all else, guard your affections [heart]. For they influence everything else in your life.”

● Protect against information overload. Overload can be both struggles as well as joyous. Each of us has a maximum capacity of information we can contain within

our “mind banks” before we begin to have difficulty sorting and sifting through the cacophony of noise.

Physical Health

● Rest without guilt. Rest may include stepping away from electronic devices and hearing the sounds of nature.

● Resting could include a nap or a walk.

● Manage sugar, caffeine, and carbohydrate intakes. Each of these metabolize quickly and create a physical and mental spike, but ultimately a mental and physical drop in energy….after the high.

What do you see that you can choose to do in 2026 that can improve your life? Pick one area that has been shared and pick one easy and simple act that you can articulate a positive “I can” statement to accomplish your goal. Write your I can statement on a small card (post-it) and place it where you will see it every day. Let a trusted friend know your resolution. This friend becomes an accountability partner, not a nag. Commit your resolution in prayer to God and expect that He will give you the desires of your heart that are pleasing to Him.

The post What Are You Doing Different In 2026 appeared first on 93.7 The Light.

But, do we know that the story of Jesus’ birth was a long awaited fulfillment that actually dates back to Genesis? A story that has redemption written all over it for us today. When Adam and Eve disobeyed God that opened the door to sin and death. God already had a plan that Jesus, His only son, would come to earth as both human and divine to settle the score with satan, and make all things right again.

Genesis 3:13-15

V13

And the LORD God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.”

V14

So the LORD God said to the serpent: “Because you have done this, You are cursed more than all cattle, And more than every beast of the field; On your belly you shall go, And you shall eat dust All the days of your life.

V15

And I will put enmity between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel.”

Verses 16-19 describe the curse of sin and death that entered into the world because of disobedience. Darkness fell upon the earth. Sorrow, sickness, and lawlessness entered into the most perfect Garden Paradise that God had created for His children. Outside of God’s perfect plan darkness still reigns. However, because of the promise of Jesus, Yeshua (Messiah, Savior) throughout the ages, God has provided a way of rescue for every person who believes and calls upon Him that they will be saved (John 3:16, Romans 10:9).

Humanity has lived in darkness since that time. Isaiah references the darkness of the peoples in multiple passages (5:20, 9:2, 59:1-15, 60:2). The darkness is not hopeless. Christmas is the story of HOPE!

Today, the world around us is swirling in darkness. Hope seems to be unavailable. What joy is there in a world full of sickness, drugs, addictions, human trafficking, lawlessness, and general hatred spread about.

This is exactly where Christmas Past intersects with Christmas Present. Christmas is God’s greatest LOVE GIFT ever given since Creation. God gave the gift of the cosmos to His children for their enjoyment and as a joint family relationship with Him.

When that relationship was broken and the beauty of creation was marred, God already had the rescue plan foreseen.

Jesus entered the earth as a baby in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. Jesus lived on earth without submitting to the lures of satan, and therefore secured the righteousness to redeem the family (humanity) that had been abducted through deceit and lies. Jesus as in the Genesis prophecy bruised satan’s head, while His heel was bruised on the cross.

Jesus’ birth, death, and resurrection brought Joy to the World. When we believe and confess Jesus as God Himself, who came to earth to regather His children, we take Christmas beyond a prophecy or historic event. We bring Christmas into OUR today. Christ within us shatters the darkness that so wants to choke the life out of us.

Often Christmas may seem the darkest because you feel the loneliest. Don’t let the lies of satan deceive you like he did Eve. Let the songs of Christmas, the Christmas scriptures, and the Christmas lights draw you into the reality of Christmas today…and every day.

The post The Christmas Story is NOT of OLD, but For TODAY! appeared first on 93.7 The Light.

Mary is often portrayed as calm, serene, and unshakeable, but Scripture gives us a more real – and more relatable – picture. When the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary, she was “greatly troubled” and confused (Luke 1:29). She did not understand everything God was doing, and she certainly didn’t have many answers. Yet after hearing God’s plan for her life, she gave a response that still inspires today:

I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.

This one sentence shows us three beautiful ways to trust God this Christmas – or any time of the year.

1. Mary Trusted God Even When She Didn’t Understand the Path

Mary’s life was changed in an instant. She went from ordinary village girl to the mother of the Messiah. And not only did she have her own confusion, but she also undoubtedly thought of other people in her life. Despite her new position, she still had to walk through misunderstanding, raised eyebrows, and the everyday challenges of real life.

Mary didn’t know:

• how Joseph would respond,
• what her future would look like,
• or how God would work everything out.

But she trusted the One who did.

At Christmas, we celebrate God’s perfect plan, but we also feel the weight of our own uncertainties. Your family might not look the way you hoped. Your finances may feel stretched. You may be praying over a child’s choices or grieving someone who used to sit at the Christmas table.

Like Mary, you don’t have to understand everything to trust God with everything.

2. Mary Trusted God by Surrendering Her Own Expectations

Mary likely had dreams for her life – marrying Joseph, raising a family, living a quiet life. But God’s plan interrupted her expectations.

Her response was not, “Let it be the way I imagined,” but “Let it be to me according to your word.”

Christmas can highlight the gap between our expectations and reality. Sometimes the season brings the disappointments of fractured relationships, family tensions, or even health struggles.

Mary invites us to pray:

“Lord, I surrender my expectations and receive Your will.”

Surrender isn’t weakness – it is faith in God who writes better stories than we do.

3. Mary Trusted God Because She Believed His Promises

After Gabriel left, Mary didn’t have more clarity, but she did have God’s Word. And that was enough.

She clung to God’s promise that He was with her, that He would accomplish His purpose, and that His mercy is for those who fear Him from generation to generation (Luke 1:50). That promise sustained her from the lowly birth of her Son, through every step of His life, even to the moment she watched Him die on a cross.

You, too, can cling to the promises of God:

• He is with you (Matthew 1:23)
• His peace is yours (John 14:27)
• His grace is sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9)
• His plan is good (Romans 8:28)

God is faithful, and these verses are a Christmas reminder that God’s promises never fail.

Lord, You are our Christmas hope. Help me trust You like Mary did – not because I understand everything, but because You do.

The post Mary’s Christmas Lesson: How to Trust God in Every Season appeared first on 93.7 The Light.

S.A.D. Contributing Factors

• Reduced sunlight exposure
• Drop in serotonin levels (mood regulation)
• Disruption in melatonin balance (affects sleep and mood)

S.A.D Statistics

• 5% of U.S. adults experience S.A.D.
• Women are 4 times more likely to experience S.A.D.
• 9-10% of people in northern and cooler climates experience S.A.D. as compared to 1-2% of people in southern and warmer climates
• S.A.D. symptoms last about 4-5 months (October to March)

S.A.D Symptoms

• Persistent low mood, sadness, or hopelessness
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
• Low energy, fatigue, or feeling of “slowing down”
• Oversleeping
• Craving carbohydrates and weight gain
• Difficulty concentrating
• Social withdrawal (hibernation tendency)

God created the sun, moon, and stars on the 4th Day of Creation to regulate seasons, days, and years (Genesis 1:14-19). Possibly our modern-day, fast-paced, electronic-driven life-style has caused a disconnect from living in God’s rhythm. God’s design was to wake up with the daylight and to go to bed not long after dark. Our modern lights have caused us to burn our candles at both ends. We are more tired and out of rhythm than we are probably aware.

Summer gives us heat and light that lasts up to 15-hours in some places. Plenty of time to get up and run, play, and work. Outdoors is the place.

Fall/Autumn brings crisp morning and evening air with a continuation of heavy heat in the mid-day to keep us wanting to be outdoors, but the time of light is growing shorter.

Winter for many is the hardest season of all. While winter brings skiing, sledding, and hot chocolate and family gatherings…it brings with it “Doldrums of the Darkness.”

What happens in nature that we as humans could take as antidotes and not fall into S.A.D. as deeply. Winter is a time of rest. Trees, flowers, and even animals have a hibernation from the work of summer and fall. Winter is a time of silence and solitude that allows you to step outside on a crisp cold winter morning, and hear the silence. No leaves blowing, no birds chirping. Winter is a time of anticipating Spring.

Spring is the bursting forth of new life, longer days, fresh smells, and sounds of joy.

Let’s look at some strategies of rest, silence and solitude, and anticipation that can boost our morale and carry us through the “Doldrums of the Darkness.”

Rest

Remember you are created to experience rest. We are created in God’s image and Genesis 2:2 states, “By the seventh day God had finished the work He had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all His work.”

Remember, our modern day life may have pushed us further from rest than we think. Allowing our bodies to be regulated by the morning light and evening light can benefit our health. Once it is daylight, open the curtains, go outside to breathe in the crisp air. Oftentimes during the doldrums, it may seem you can’t shake that sleepy, groggy feeling.

Keep moving. However, if during mid-day you just can’t do one more thing, treat yourself to a nap and do so without guilt. 10-minutes can be just enough. You’ll find what is best for you. Repeat the exposure to light when you wake from your nap.

Exercise and keep moving during the light of day. Rest, other than your quick nap, should wait for darkness when you have completed your work; then you can rest.

Resting also includes reduction of body metabolism. Therefore, there is a need to reduce calories particularly sugar, carbs, caffeine, and alcohol.

The light rhythm that God created and nature adheres to is viewed in hibernation. We as humans often become gluttons for the comfort foods, holiday spreads, and uncontrollable boredom snacking during winter. This is the perpetual 10-20 pounds each person tries to shed before summer, not quite making it and repeating this winter process again and again.

Bears, squirrels, and other hibernating animals put on weight by stuffing themselves for the long winter nap. It is that excess, high calorie food that sustains and is slowly burned off to maintain the basic life functions as they sleep. By spring, the food has been metabolized and the animals wake up ravenously hungry. As humans we NEVER stop eating and the food can’t fully metabolize as we eat 3-meals a day and snacks, 7-days a week.

The Rest routine may vary and need adjusting depending on your phase of life (parenting small children, parenting teenagers, being in the sandwich generation between young adult children and aging parents, final working years’ push, or retired). Rest will look different in each phase…but remember:

1. Sun up, sun down, complete your work while it is day
2. Take extra rest when needed without guilt
3. Keep moving and soak in sun and air as often as possible
4. Reduce calories or foods that trigger boosts of energy that ultimately results in an energy crash

Silence and Solitude

What’s the difference between rest and silence and solitude? Rest is a shutting down of your body, while silence and solitude is a shutting down of your mind and your thoughts.

The symptoms of S.A.D. can lead to increased mental thoughts and mind gymnastics. Your body is experiencing less than energetic power to cope and sort through less than positive imaginations.

While rest is manifested by physical interventions, silence and solitude is captured by spiritual routine.

Step #1 is taking every thought captive. If left to our own, thoughts tend to take a downward spiral. If not captured early in their development, thoughts take the path of least resistance and can tail-spin into the worst case scenario.

Antidote to capture thoughts:

2 Corinthians 10:5

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

Step #2 is establishing the plumb line to which these thoughts will line up…”the knowledge of the One True God.” There are many philosophies and self help books that will steer you to their “answer” to your problem.

Antidote to establish the plumb line for your thoughts:

John 14:1

Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.

Read your Bible and Pray everyday. Start in the Psalms and Proverbs. Read the book of John.

Step #3 is to nurture hope. Hope is achieved with the same antidote as Step #2. Read your Bible and Pray everyday. Hope is only found in “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV).

Anticipation

Anticipation is the embodiment of hope. We can thank God that He doesn’t allow any season to last too long. Each season has its benefits in the scheme of creation. But, left to being only one season contributes to pitfalls and dangers.

Spring is assuredly coming because we have seen it and can count on it. Just like the sun rises each morning, we can count on it, because we have seen it.

We can count on God making all things new in our lives as we walk through the darkness to the other side. Jeremiah 29:11 states God’s intention for His children: “‘For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you,” says the LORD, ‘plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.’”

Rest your body.

Feed your spirit.

Anticipate that God as ALWAYS will provide the warm sunshine you need.

The post Doldrums of the Darkness (Seasonal Affective Disorder) appeared first on 93.7 The Light.

As children, time seems to drag on and on each year from birthday to birthday; holiday to holiday, and seems like eternity. Even as adults certain experiences seem to drag on unbearably, or quickly end in a feeling as of a blink of an eye.

I’ve often wondered, imagined about the events (usually deeply spiritual moments) that are hours long, but time seems to stand still. Is it because the presence of our timeless and eternal God and Father has broken into our linear time and time actually stood still?

Could the slogan “time sure flies when you’re having fun” be replaced with “time stands still in the Presence of God?” Does the standing still of time explain how in the wilderness the Israelites’ shoes didn’t wear out? Did their shoes not wear out because they were ever in God’s presence of the cloud by day and the fire by night?

Does time standing still explain the ability for Sarah to appear attractive and desirable twice in her later years and to also give birth LONG after it would seem normally possible? Sarah was desired by the king of Egypt at age 65 and later desired at age 90 by the king of Gerar, and this second attraction was just before she gave birth to her only child Isaac.

What are we missing in this life when we focus so much on time? While time is important, have we given it more rule over our lives than God would desire? Throughout history it has not always been as it is now. There was no “adolescence” or “retirement” until the mid to late 1900s. People and ages were not so heavily segmented. Often, children began work at an early age to assist the family in their livelihood or trade. When  older members could not do heavy work any longer, they took care of the cooking and childcare while the able bodied youth and adults worked from sun up to sun down.

I’m not advocating child labor or slavery. However, have we robbed children and ourselves the cross-generational aspect of life that God intended for us to share? Have we lost the ability to have fun and therefore slow down the clock? Have we quit desiring to create a family that lives and laughs together?

When I started reflecting on my own family celebrations, milestones, and anniversaries, I couldn’t believe that 10, 20, 30, even 50+ years have passed. Has the time passing been easy or without hardship? No, there are many struggles that have transpired over the years, but we must be having fun because it sure has seemed to fly.

Within my family circle we have ALWAYS depended on God’s presence to get us through. Has that then allowed our family to experience God’s timelessness? I’m not sure, but I sure do want to pass on to the next generation(s) that having fun is not just in the activities we do, but in the Presence of the God we keep.

Let us cultivate God’s Presence in every moment of our life, at every age of our life. God’s Word (Psalm 16:11) states, “You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; in Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore.” Begin those pleasures forevermore right here, right now so that we can say, “Time sure flies when you’re having fun!”

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I would guess that most pastors do not crave recognition. They carry quiet burdens, work long hours, make many sacrifices, and give deeply from the heart because they love the people God has placed in their care. Still, even the most faithful shepherds grow weary. They need encouragement that refreshes, not recognition that exhausts.

So, this October, what if we celebrated Pastor Appreciation Month a little differently – by offering rest instead of pressure?

1. Remember the Heart Behind It

Pastor Appreciation Month isn’t about throwing a party; it is about honoring the people God has called to lead His church. Hebrews 13:17 reminds us that our leaders keep watch over us as those who must give an account. That kind of responsibility is weighty.

When we take time to thank and encourage our pastors, we are not just being polite – we are strengthening the very people who help strengthen us. A thoughtful note, a quiet prayer, or a sincere “thank you for how you have blessed my family” can mean more than any big event ever could.

2. Look for Gentle Ways to Encourage

Your pastor doesn’t need a spotlight; they need space to breathe. Instead of another banquet or public recognition, consider smaller, more personal gestures that restore their energy:

• Pray specifically for their needs this month. Ask God to renew their strength, protect their family, and bring joy back into their ministry.
• Give the gift of time. Offer them a Sunday off or cover a week’s worth of meals so they can rest without guilt.
• Send encouragement privately. A handwritten note, a text with a favorite verse, or a card signed by the congregation can speak volumes.
• Care for the family. Remember the spouse and children who quietly support from behind the scenes. Baby sitting, grocery delivery, or gas cards can be a real help.

These quiet, thoughtful acts often communicate love more clearly than a crowded schedule of events.

3. Guard against Burnout

Many pastors won’t admit when they are tired. But ministry can be draining – emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. If you notice your pastor seems weary, resist the urge to expect “business as usual.” Offer compassion instead of criticism.

Galatians 6:9 says, Let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. Your gentle encouragement might be the reminder that helps your pastor keep going through a difficult season.

4. Focus on Rest and Renewal

True appreciation happens when the shepherd feels seen, cared for, and restored. Some practical ideas are to offer childcare, update his office, or do some tasks for his family. Rake the leaves, power wash the deck, catalog his books – something that would take something off his plate, even if it is only for this month. And if you don’t already, serve somewhere in the church. Having adequate volunteers is always a blessing.

A Final Thought

Pastor Appreciation Month 2025 isn’t about adding one more thing to your church calendar – it’s about lightening the load for someone who carries a lot. You don’t have to organize a banquet or buy a gift basket. Just let your pastor know they are seen, valued, and prayed for.

Because when we honor those who serve faithfully, we reflect the heart of the One who said, Well done, good and faithful servant. And that is worth celebrating – not just in October, but all year long.

The post How to Celebrate Pastor Appreciation Month without Overwhelming Your Pastor appeared first on 93.7 The Light.

As the truth of this tragedy began to sink in, I was flooded with three specific emotions: An overwhelming sadness, a rising anger, and a sense of helplessness. It didn’t take long before realizing I needed to keep my anger in check. The Lord reminded me of James 1:20: “Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires”. But I knew in my heart, that God was angry too! King David penned Psalm 11 and in verse 5 he writes, “The Lord examines both the righteous and the wicked. He hates those who love violence.” I began to ask the Lord, what can I do instead of just watching this tragedy and resigning myself to another victory for the enemy?

In the middle of the night I got the answer. I awoke with four specific actions I could take. I am still overwhelmed with grief but these action steps have begun to help me and perhaps they might help you as well.

1. Pray for Charlie’s family! Despite the unspeakable violence that took him, Charlie no longer needs our prayers. Doctors reported that because of the location where he was hit, it is likely his spirit left his broken body within a couple of minutes. The Apostle Paul encouraged the Christians at Corinth in Second Corinthians 5:8 with this truth, “Yes, we are fully confident and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be home with the Lord.” Long before we got confirmation that Charlie Kirk had died, his spirit was more alive than ever in the presence of the Savior he loved and proclaimed. So, it’s not Charlie who needs our prayers but rather his precious young family. His wife and his young son and daughter who now have only pictures and memories of their husband and father. They can no longer enjoy his presence with them. God cares about these things and so should I. Psalm 68:5 says, “Father to the fatherless, defender of widows, this is God, whose dwelling is holy.” Then James reminds us in Chapter 1 verse 27 that pure and genuine religion includes caring for orphans and widows.

I’m praying first of all for a peace that passes all understanding that can only come from Jesus Christ. Secondly, I’m praying that the Church shows up for this family to meet their needs and, where appropriate, fill the huge holes left by Charlie’s absence. Thirdly, I’m praying for protection for his young family. Also, for a divine shield to surround them and keep them not only from physical harm, but from those who are continually spewing hatred toward everything they believe in. I’m praying for his extended family as well, and for all of his colleagues. I want God to keep reminding me to pray for this family, not just until the Memorial Service ends, but even after this story fades from the news cycle. Their pain will last a very long time!

2. The second thing the Lord is prompting me to do is to pray for law enforcement, from the campus police to the FBI. I’m praying for a quick end to this manhunt. That the evil person or persons involved in assassinating Charlie Kirk will be found and brought to justice. King Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes 8:11, “When crime is not punished quickly, people feel it is safe to do wrong.” For too long, authorities have turned a blind eye to political violence. According to God’s Word, that is the best way to keep it going!

3. The third thing I believe the Lord is prompting me is to learn some lessons from Charlie Kirk’s life. While his death has been described as a political assassination, many commentators have been saying what stood out most about Charlie was his bold faith in Jesus. The millions of young people who looked up to him also understood this. He never passed up an opportunity to share the Gospel with his audience. He freely admitted that he was a sinner and that Jesus Christ came to earth to die for his sin, then rose from the dead to secure, for him, eternal life in Heaven. That Gospel was the foundation to all the other truths he advocated for. He believed very strongly in freedom. In John 8:36 it says, “If the Son sets you free, you are truly free.” When my life here comes to an end, I hope my wife says I was a faithful husband, my children say I was a great dad and my grandchildren say I was a fun grandpa. But most of all I want people to know I loved Jesus and that some people, including my family came to know Jesus because of my life. I want to emulate Charlie’s boldness to do what God calls me to do in my small sphere of influence.

4. Finally, I’m convinced that this world needs to change, and I’m praying for revival! Admittedly in my angry moments, I want people to pay for what they’ve done. I want all the godless folks who commit or advocate for political violence to immediately be judged and removed. But that’s not going to happen, because our Lord is more merciful than I. Second Peter 3:9 reminds us, “The Lord is patient, He doesn’t want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.”

So, revival is the solution for our messed-up world! I attended college at Liberty in the early 1980’s. Back then, the Moral Majority was in full swing and our Chancellor, Dr. Jerry Falwell Sr. always told us students that our nation’s future would either be one of revival or judgement! Today it is much worse than it was in the early 80’s and I am repulsed by the hateful rhetoric and murderous actions of people who don’t know Jesus. Only He can fix the problem at its source. We read in Jeremiah 17:9, “The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is?” God is the only one who can fix the heart! The more people who hear the Gospel and receive the salvation Jesus offers, the sooner good can begin to overcome evil.

It’ll be a long time before I get over the tragedy of September 10th 2025 but God has given me a positive and I believe a Biblical way to respond and as I obey, I pray that He will do what only He can do to comfort the grieving and make things right. Rest with Jesus Charlie Kirk!

Tracy Figley

President Strong Tower Christian Media

The post Responding to Tragedy appeared first on 93.7 The Light.

Leave it to Beaver Family of Perfection

Leave it to Beaver was a 1957 sitcom that aired for six seasons. The program overview states: “Theodore, a young and inquisitive boy, lives with his parents June and Ward Cleaver and brother Wally. His father gives him advice when he gets into trouble at school, home and in the neighborhood.”

Within this family model, June was a stay-at-home mom, Ward worked outside the home and often sat in his easy chair reading the newspaper until dinner still wearing a suit or a sweater over his button up shirt with a tie.

The biggest trauma that the Cleaver family faces are the children, Theodore and Wally making “childish” mistakes and being given the strong fatherly advice that propels the boys to ask for forgiveness from their parents, make reparations to community individuals, and to see the moral value that is being taught by their parents.

The Modern Family Reality

The sitcom family may never have been realistic, but it was the hope and dream of many families for decades. However, The Step Family Foundation (2023) states, “We are now a nation in which the majority of families are divorced. Most go on to remarry or form living together relationships.” The Step Family Foundation quotes a study by Judith Wallerstein (2004):

• Only 45 percent of children “do well” after divorce.
• 41% are doing poorly, worried, underachieving, deprecating, and often angry.
• Fifty percent of the women and 30 percent of the men were still intensely angry with their former spouses.
• “Most felt the lack of a template, a working model, for a loving relationship between a man and a woman.”
• Divorced parents provide less time, less discipline, and are less sensitive to the children as they are caught up in their own divorce and aftermath.
• Many parents are unable to separate their needs from the children’s needs and often share too much of their own personal life with their children, placing the children in a precarious emotional state, vulnerable to grandiosity or to depression within what is left of their families.
• The majority of parents of divorce are chronically disorganized and unable to parent effectively.
• As diminished parenting continues, it permanently disrupts the child’s once normal emotional growth and functioning.

God’s Biblical Original Intent

So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”

Genesis 1:27-28 (NIV)

The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. The LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” …Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man. The man said, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman,’ for she was taken out of man.” That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.

Genesis 2:15, 18, 22-24 (NIV)

God’s original intent was for one man, united with one woman, having children to assist as a family in the care of the earth. How simple God intended the family to be. A nuclear family that shares love for one another and a shared destiny and purpose.

Practical Application Begins Now

Humanity and our family structure has moved drastically far askew of the T.V. sitcoms of the 1950s and God’s original intent. What can we do to swing the pendulum in the opposite direction of where we are now?

Prayer is always our first line of defense. Pray that God’s original intent for the family begins to materialize. Pray that love begins to permeate families. Love manifesting in the families will reduce the divorce rate. Love in the family reduces the negative atmosphere causing high risk life factors (divorce, addictions, suicide, crime, school drop out or lower academic achievement, etc.)

Prayer without action is like faith without works. Do you know any families that are struggling? Call and encourage the parents. Offer your experience from raising your children. Help parents know that often we do the best we can, with what we know at the time. Surround parents with the fact that too often we set high expectations that are not realistic.

Invite families over to experience a different atmosphere. It doesn’t have to be dinner. It could be a game night, an outdoor yard party, or a trip to the park. Families need to know they are not alone and isolated. Families need to know they have support. Always ask the family if there is anything for which you can pray. When you start praying for them, give them hope and expectation that God will act on their behalf.

This allows God to intervene. God knows more of what each family needs to restore them to His original intent. God is able to move beyond the MESS created to date in each family. Yes, families are shattered, isolated, and in shambles. This leaves each adult and every child of a family as a victim that Satan would like to steal, kill, and destroy.

Can we BELIEVE that God’s Original Intent is Achievable?

We are now in a world that has lost confidence in God. We read the BIBLE, but we only picture God’s rescues and restorations as children’s stories that are like fairy tales. We have lost the WONDER WORKING POWER of God that sets our souls free. How can we believe that God sent Jesus to save us from our sin by dying on the cross, and then not believe every other promise given from Genesis to Revelation?

We often say, “Well, I haven’t seen that happen in my lifetime!” Is the reason we don’t see; because seeing is not FAITH? What do we believe?

• Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us (Ephesians 3:30 NKJV).
• You are from God, little children and have overcome them (those opposed to God); because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4 NASB).
• Since God is for us, who can be against us (Romans 8:31b NLV)?
• No weapon formed against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the LORD (Isaiah 54:17 NIV).

God allowed each of us to be alive at this time in history. God is counting on us to be like the original family to love one another and have a shared destiny and purpose. Our purpose and destiny was given by God in Genesis to multiply His representation into the Earth. Jesus became even more specific as He shared the destiny and purpose for Christ followers in Matthew 28:18-20.

Jesus came up and said to them, “All authority (all power of absolute rule) in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations [help the people to learn of Me, believe in Me, and obey My words], baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always [remaining with you perpetually—regardless of circumstance and on every occasion], even to the end of the age” (AMP).

Let us take Jesus’ words and believe that He is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and that He desires a healing of the families on Earth today that will reflect His reality to a hurting and dying world.

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He was finishing the long process of moving into his first home and he decided to mark the occasion by mounting one of his most prized possessions in a prominent place in the living room. It was his masterpiece, one that had taken months to finish and had required all his training, skill and natural talent to complete. It was a unique combination of his two loves, painting and design. He slowly exhaled as he stood back and gazed at his magnum opus. Now, he sighed, this feels like home.

When the call came from mom that her and dad would like to come and see his new place, he had a flood of emotions, but the two most prominent were pride in all he had accomplished, and fear. That old fear of rejection. It had apparently not gone away, but still lay dormant in his mind from childhood. Jason wasn’t sure that either emotion prevailed, but at the end of the day, it was common courtesy that made him agree to having them over.

His emotions were all over the map leading up to that day. It was a good thing their visit was just a week away, he wasn’t sure he could have waited much longer.

When the evening finally came, he made sure everything in the house was in place and perfect. Trying to prove yourself, comes with a lot of pressure. When the doorbell rang, he took a deep breath, went to the door and let his parents in.

After hugging his mom and shaking his dad’s hand, (dad was never a hugger), she commented on how lovely the small home was and went on and on about the life her son had made for himself. Dad was nodding his head in agreement, until that fateful moment when the painting in the living room caught his eye. He stopped and stared at it briefly. It seemed like time stood still. Dad broke the silence with a slight chuckle as he proclaimed, whoever painted that, better not give up their day job!

It was a sucker punch to Jason’s gut. All those childhood memories of not being enough, began to wash over him. He tried not to react. He had a fleeting thought that he would tell his dad who created the painting, but then decided it would do no

good. The rest of the night was a blur and after his folks left, Jason collapsed on his couch and the dam broke. His tears, that he had held back from earlier that evening, mixed with something pent up for years and all he could do was sob uncontrollably.

His dad was a high school football coach, passionate about the game. Though Jason played football a couple of years, it wasn’t his passion. He was pretty good, but it just was not life-giving to him. That was something his dad had never understood, and when he chose a career in art and design, the rejection was palpable.

When you read this story, what was your reaction? Anger toward the father for not accepting his son as he was created to be? Were you thinking, what a travesty, I would never act that way? That was my reaction at first, but then it hit me, I’m guilty of responding this way on a regular basis. Hopefully not toward others, but definitely toward myself. Like, when I look in the mirror and am disappointed in the reflection looking back at me. Like, hating how I look, how I blow opportunities and mess up pretty regularly. I rarely think of it this way, but when I disparage myself for my shortcomings, I’m speaking ill of the one who made me in His image!

King David wrote in Psalm 139: You formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works. My soul knows it very well.

Then in Romans chapter 9, the apostle Paul writes: But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, Why have you made me like this?

The world screams at us day in and day out that we need to be like everyone else, but The Creator didn’t make another person like you. He wants you to embrace your unique mix of gifts and experiences and be all He intended you to be.

Whether it’s from someone in your life or from you, it is dangerous to accept a false identity. Only God can reveal your true identity, and when you live in that identity, it is life-giving. And it’s then, you can reach your full potential.

If you don’t know what your true identity is, ask the Lord, your Creator, to reveal that to you. As He does, embrace it and live it out. When you do, you and the Lord together, become unstoppable!

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Let’s first define love. The closest definition that we as humans can accept as Godly and not tainted by human understanding is found in the Merriam-Webster online dictionary:

Love: “a feeling of strong or constant regard for and dedication to someone”

I believe God’s love is more than a feeling, but we as humans don’t possess a word to describe God’s love deeper and more passionate than a “feeling.” Remember, God’s love for us cost the sacrifice of His one and only Son. That demonstration of love is more than a fleeting feeling, it was simultaneously a show of justice.

The definition for just and justice are intertwined:

Justice: “the establishment or determination of rights according to the rules of law or equity”

Just: “conforming to a standard of correctness”

Comparison

• Love and Justice both are rooted in ethical and moral foundations over concerns for others.
• Each guides how we treat people and shape society.
• Love and Justice are universal ideals upheld across cultures and religions.
• Each can inspire meaningful action and social change.

Contrast

• Love can motivate justice to be compassionate.
• Justice can help love be wise and not enabling.
• Pure love may seem to overlook fairness, while pure justice may seem harsh without love.

Ideally, true justice should be loving, and true love should seek what is just.

God’s character of being absolutely loving and absolutely just is unlike any of us humans. We can’t fathom an absolute character that does not waiver, cannot be bribed, and cannot act outside of His nature.

God’s love draws, pursues, protects without ulterior motives of receiving something in return. Of course God wants us to love him, but John 3:16 states, “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, so that whoever believes in Him (Jesus) will have eternal life.”

God loved humanity because we are created in His image. He doesn’t love us because we did any right behavior. God loved us because we are His children created in His image.

His love for us is eternal, but our choice to acknowledge our need for a personal relationship changes our lives from just existing to a life with greater purpose than we can imagine.

God’s justice does not tolerate evil within His presence. Therefore, while God ultimately loves every human on earth, we do not have full benefit of His fatherly love until we say yes, “We’re all in.”

If we have reservations about being all in, we live outside God’s perfect plan that He created for us and knew about us before the creation of the world.

For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will — to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.

Ephesians 1:4-6 (NIV)

“For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you,” says the LORD, “plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”

Jeremiah 29:11 (AMP)

God is fully LOVE and fully JUST. This is a concept that we as humans cannot conceive. God’s character, His nature is fully EVERY aspect that is attached to His name. Because of this fullness of His being, we can trust that He will not wield love or justice in a manner that would harm us, belittle us, or cause us to lose the special identity that He has placed inside of us that is uniquely us.

Run to Father God and allow His love to embrace and rescue you from the just separation and punishment sentence of a life lived outside of His Mercy and Grace. He is lovingly waiting to embrace you in His presence.

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When I was cleaning up the mess after it happened just the other day, my son said, “Mom, if you put a wooden spoon over the top of the pot, it won’t boil over.” Of course, I have heard that many times, but why? Why a wooden spoon? Why does pasta water boil over at all when many other things do not?

The reason pasta and things like rice and potatoes boil over is that those foods release starch and protein into the water. Those substances coat the bubbles produced by boiling. This makes them more resistant to bursting. So, they create a foamy layer on the surface. The foam then acts like a lid and traps the steam that is produced during boiling until the bubbles accumulate and expand so much that they overflow the pot.  

Boiling water alone usually does not overflow. So, for a minute, put yourself into that pot. We all face the heat of life. But we do not boil over until something inside of us comes out. It could be the pressure of hidden fears, bitterness you can’t let go of, unspoken expectations, or the need to please or prove yourself. We don’t boil over just because life is hot but because something inside of us reacts to the heat.

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.

Proverbs 4:23

Pressure builds silently until – boom – overflow. Then comes the anger, the tears, snapping at your spouse or your kids, a coworker. Perhaps you shut down emotionally and spiritually, leaving everyone out.

But just as the steam under the foam needs a way out, we need to provide a way to release the pressure building up in us. I am not proposing we yell every time something is frustrating or hard. That might feel good for a second, but it is never a long-term help. But you can “yell” to God.

Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.

1 Peter 5:7

He is the One person who can take all our emotions and fears and frustrations and turn them for our good. When you give Him your problems, you stop trying to hold everything together yourself. You are trusting that He can hear you and help you. Just having someone to talk to honestly and without reservation takes away so much of the pressure we are trying so hard to keep in.

Putting a wooden spoon on the pot of pasta works because the wood stays cooler than metal so bubbles pop when they touch the spoon. You can also put a little oil or butter in the water because it reduces the surface tension so bubbles can pop easier, keeping so many from accumulating at the surface.

But you can also just turn down the heat. God sometimes does that for us. He may put something on pause or close a door. What we may see as a setback could be an act of mercy. God always wants us to turn back to Him.

When pressure is building beneath the surface, release it by talking to and trusting God. He can handle it all. He can keep you from boiling over and instead overflow with His grace.

The post Why Does Pasta Water Boil Over? (And What It Can Teach You about Your Heart) appeared first on 93.7 The Light.

Much of the world has lived under the regulatory system of the Gregorian calendar since October 1582, and was preceded by the Julian calendar that was introduced in 45 BCE. However, the Eastern Orthodox and some Eastern Catholic Churches still follow the Julian calendar. Both the Gregorian and the Julian calendars are based upon the Sun’s solar cycle.

Comparison Between Georgian and Julian Calendars

The adoption of the Gregorian calendar reduced the calendar drift that was associated with the Julian calendar. The calendar drift was most evident in the Julian calendar as related to the lack of standardization of the equinoxes and solstices because of one day added every 100 years because of the 11 extra minutes per year. The Gregorian calendar adds one day every 3,300 years. Currently the Julian calendar is 13 days behind the Gregorian calendar.

There are numerous other calendars being used around the world other than the Julian or Gregorian. Each of the other calendars are used for various reasons that match the needs of those who embrace the calendar’s nuances. Some of those calendars include the following:

• ISO calendar is used in logistics, finance, and software
• Hijri is the legal civil calendar in Iran and Afghanistan
• Hebrew/Jewish calendar incorporates the festivals found within the Bible
• Chinese calendar recognized by mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Singapore
• Korean calendar recognized in both North and South Korea (ancestral rights and festivals)

Another calendar comparison is between a solar, a lunar, and a lunisolar calendar.

Which calendar do you believe would be a better fit for you? Are you better suited to live by the passing of the sun or the moon? Does a liturgical calendar full of festivals and celebrations seem appealing? Whichever calendar regulates your life, we need to remember that God is the “Master of the Universe” and scripture describes how He holds within His hands the times in which we live.

It is He who changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and establishes kings. He gives wisdom to the wise and [greater] knowledge to those who have understanding!

Daniel 2:21

There is a season (a time appointed) for everything and a time for every delight and event or purpose under heaven.

Ecclesiastes 3:1

My terms are in Your hands; Rescue me from the hand of my enemies and from those who pursue and persecute me.

Psalm 31:15

We must release our anxiety that often is created by trying to live within a limited amount of time with an overload of activities. Jesus said, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavily burdened [by religious rituals that provide no peace], and I will give you rest [refreshing your souls with salvation]. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me [following Me as My disciple], for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest (renewal, blessed quiet) for your souls. For My yoke is easy [to bear] and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30 AMP).

If you want to know more about how to have God be the Director of your life, let us know!

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