Recently, a number of friends have been asking me to pray for the various difficulties that they are suddenly struggling with. Part of it stems from an unexpected physical or mental illness, while other issues arise from unforeseen challenging interpersonal interactions. It's almost like battling obstacles from different directions. If you've been facing similar difficulties recently, today's message is intended for you.  Today, I invite you to join me in reading Psalm 46. It

When teaching basic English, I frequently use a children's ABC song to help adults learn the alphabet. I've discovered that singing brings enjoyment and laughter to what might otherwise be a dull and tedious learning session. Today, we are exploring how singing can encourage thankfulness, introduce fun, and aid in remembering what is important when anxiety hits. As the new week begins, I invite you to join me in singing Psalm 11. The Psalms were composed as Hebrew poems and w

Go Fish is a card game for two to five players, commonly played by children. The objective is to be the first player to empty your hand by forming sets of four cards. The game relies on honesty, as it's challenging to stop players from lying about their hand. Occasionally, human interactions can mimic these simple competitive games. If you've recently participated in such a scenario, you might need a breather. Here's how you can find some refreshment today while reflecting on

Yesterday, our church wrapped up an intensive two-week educational program that it organizes annually, known as “Wave,” which, among other things, involves teaching English from Basic to B2 level. Looking back on the 16th Wave program, there are countless stories that each volunteer could share. However, one unfinished story has touched my heart, consistently inspiring hope within me. Last week, I struggled with a question: Can hope be found in the lamentations of those who h

Two years ago, I faced a challenge I wasn't sure how to manage, which caused me continuous pain. As I kept bringing this struggle to Jesus, I was guided to work through it by journaling. I named this prayerful journal "growth from a struggle." Eventually, I stopped journaling about the struggle because it was no longer necessary to process it. In the months that followed, I unexpectedly received an answer to my prayerful journaling. As I clung to the rope, which served as my

"Examine the cracks" 2025. Oil on canvas, 30cm x 30cm Cracks in a ship's hull have the potential to cause it to sink. While not every crack poses an immediate threat, each one requires careful consideration. Small surface cracks might not immediately endanger the vessel's integrity, but they can expand or signal more serious underlying problems. Similarly, minor character "cracks" (such as small lies, thefts, betrayals, or manipulations) might not cause immediate harm. Howeve

Recently, I overheard someone saying, "You have to be a lid for every pot," which is a Croatian/Serbian expression. It refers to a person who feels the need to answer every question or control every situation. Such individuals often overstep boundaries. If you've recently met someone like this and find them irritating, or if you recognize yourself as a "lid for every pot," today's blog post is for you.  Overstepping boundaries appears to be a longstanding issue, affecting bot

A few years back, I was heading home after a worship practice. After parking my car, I began walking towards my apartment building while texting. Two young men, evidently under the influence of drugs, approached me and started asking questions about my phone in broken English. I realized they were looking for trouble. I glanced around and saw no one who could assist, so I began trying to maneuver my way out of the imminent danger. I knew drugs impaired their ability to think

If someone asked you the question, "Who are you?", how would you reply? Consider your answer carefully—does it genuinely reflect who you believe you are deep down? Were you meant to be more than just a parent, defined by your job, or your interests? When all these labels are removed, what remains? Who are you truly? Today's artistic reflection explores the concept of identity and encourages viewers to examine the reflections of their own hearts. "You are the fish, not the tai

A fellow missionary from England has a fish tank filled with beautiful fish. I inquired whether he had a Siamese Fighting Fish. He was...

Being "under the umbrella" signifies being a part of a larger organization or participating in its activities. Today's blog post...

Colony Collapse Disorder is a phenomenon where most of the worker bees in a colony vanish, leaving behind a queen, ample food, and a few...

Earlier this week, Jane, a dear friend from the Lake District in England, spotted a beautiful yet fragile butterfly in her garden. She...

Do images convey as much as words do, or perhaps even more? Why do certain pictures stir deep emotions within us or resonate profoundly?...

Pablo Picasso once remarked, “It took me four years to paint like Raphael, but a lifetime to paint like a child.” My dear friend and...

Jesus served as a whistleblower, exposing the hidden motives of religious hypocrites and calling them a "brood of vipers," "wolves in...

Sherman Kelly composed the song “Dancin' in the Moonlight” in 1969. During his recovery from a brutal attack by a gang, he "imagined an alternate reality, a vision of a peaceful and joyful celebration of life." If you've experienced unfortunate events in your life, you can turn them into a song, a poem or piece of art. Explore today's Creative Helping Hands artistic reflection to begin to learn how.  "Poppy in the moonlight" 2025. Oil on canvas, 30cm x 30cm The moon symbolize

"Birds of a feather flock together" is an English idiom meaning that people with similar traits, interests, personalities, or other unique characteristics often associate with each other. In today's blog post, we explore the theme of finding "birds of a feather" and living together harmoniously through the newest artistic project. "The Right Place" 2025. Oil on canvas, 30cm x 30cm The three birds portrayed in the painting represent the grace of friendship, compassion, and mut

Jane, a close friend from England, is on vacation. During her daily beach walks with her dog, Hettie, Jane gets refreshments. Today,...

In a society where political correctness often disguises itself as polite avoidance to address the real issues, it can be refreshing to...