I didn't know how I could stay in Columbus yet another week, but God brought some friends to mind who lived there.

This year hasn't been easy, full of trials that shake many people to the core. I’ve cried and whined, yet I have to say God has given us so much.

While I was a freshman in college, my boyfriend had me stand in front of a mirror one day to look at myself and tell him what I saw. While I told him I saw a girl who was fat and ugly, he began telling me he saw a beautiful young woman he loved was slowly killing herself. He was worried, afraid I would starve myself to death... One day, I was convinced by the Lord that it was my turn and I should confess my sin issue with anorexia.

He [God] will protect the vine and branches connected to it by removing those who suck the life out of the rest.

But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” Matthew 14:27 NIV Adding our family to the tiny congregation doubled attendance. These

My shells represent us—broken people. Often discarded as ugly, useless, and therefore unwanted, God showed me their beauty.