Growing Bolder Community

A Time to Laugh "We know God doesn't reject an innocent person . . . And so, he will make you happy and give you something to smile about" (Job 8:20a,21 CEV). All the way to the airport, my mind tried to find the right words. My soldier is about to get on a plane that will eventually lead him to the battlefront. What should I say? How will I not fall to pieces? I just want to grab him...

CHASING CHASER Chaser was a Dalmatian we adopted from the pound. About three years old when he came to live with us, he had already led a rough life. At first I was very vigilant with our new pet. He had wild, fearful eyes, and I was just not sure if he was trustworthy. He was terrified of my husband Wayne. He would nearly wet himself whenever he saw a semi-tractor...

SAMMY The day I found Sammy dead in her cage, I cried. I sobbed uncontrollably as I carefully wrapped and buried her. I wept for hours, until I was angry at myself. All this crying for no silly reason! I chastised myself. Why are you being so ridiculous over this? After all, I was a mature, competent woman, wife and mother of three, and Sammy was...

Second Deployment: Old Fears, New Fears We knew another deployment was looming. My soldier son had warned us long ago that it was coming. I managed to push it into the back of my mind for months, trying to pray it away. Maybe something would change, and he wouldn’t have to go. But the day has arrived: he just received his orders. I weep for hours at the news. I cajole God, beg...

Note to readers: My 27 year old daughter wrote this, and I thought it was worth sharing. -Carol What is in the Stimulous Bill? These are actual things in the Bill, I am reading the whole thing. 680 pgs of it. Just thought you should know what your senator's are voting for. This isn't everything in the bill, just stuff I thought would in no way help the economy, not that some of this stuff...

With the warm weather coming quickly, I'd just like to share a reminder of why we should all make sure our children and grandchildren take swimming lessons! It was my second season teaching Sarina swimming lessons. Now 26 months old, she was progressing very well. One day, her babysitter brought her to swim lessons. During the lesson, she asked me what I thought the baby would do if she...

No Regrets "Go home and live your life, my friend," I heard the doctor say, "There's nothing we can do for you To make this go away. Today could be your very last - You could have yet ten years more. I cannot say when any one Will pass through heaven's door." So I went home and cried a bit ‘Til I decided not to pout- Because I know the truth of...

When I teach swimming lessons, I have a firm rule that the students must never say the words “I can’t.” Instead we say, “I’ll try!” I know that they may not do everything correctly at first, but as long as they make an attempt, I am so pleased with them, and I know that sooner or later, they will master the skill. I also always encourage my students. If they slip and fall on...

When he was just a little boy He’d march around in camo; Carving rifles out of...