First-time homebuyers often face common misunderstandings around home ownership, including the cost of getting into a home, rising rent, and the fear of waiting too long. It's essential to take a clear-eyed look at the true costs of moving from renting into home ownership and to approach the transition with wisdom and patience. A home should fit one's current season of life and support responsibilities and priorities, not stretch finances or limit the ability to live and give faithfully. [... more]

When God doesn't answer our prayers as we expect, He's reminding us that it's Him we really need, not the answers. A paradigm shift in our minds regarding prayer is necessary, moving from getting to a mentality of relationship with God, understanding that He rewards those who diligently seek Him. [... more]

Growing up on a farm in rural America, Katrina Hein shares her personal story of working as a dairy hand, where she learned the ins and outs of milking cows and the challenges that come with it, including a memorable experience with a cow's tail and a hot pile of manure on her head. [... more]

Penny Chenery, the owner of the 1973 Triple Crown winner Secretariat, shares her remarkable story of overcoming adversity and becoming a legend in the horse racing business. She recounts her experiences as a woman in a male-dominated industry and how she persevered to achieve her goals. [... more]

The Salvation Army's Words of Life podcast explores the power of writing in the kingdom of God, featuring conversations with writers and editors about their experiences and passions. Guests share their journeys, from creative writing to editing and publishing, and discuss the importance of journaling and slowing down to process thoughts and emotions. The podcast aims to inspire listeners to deepen their relationship with God through writing and reflection. [... more]

The Pro Football Hall of Fame controversy surrounding Bill Belichick's first ballot Hall of Fame status continues to unfold, with some voters citing process-related issues rather than punishment for past scandals. Meanwhile, Kyle Yuschek, a fullback for the San Francisco 49ers, discusses the team's successful season and the importance of leadership and culture in their success. [... more]

The bidet, a popular bathroom fixture in many parts of the world, has not caught on in the United States. Despite its benefits, including improved hygiene and reduced toilet paper usage, the bidet remains a relatively unknown concept in American culture. The story of how the bidet came to be and its evolution over time is a fascinating one, with roots dating back to 18th-century France. Today, there are many compelling arguments for why Americans should consider switching to bidets, including their dirt-cheap price and the significant savings on toilet paper they can provide. [... more]

Brett Evanoff, a US Army veteran, discovers he has a 26-year-old son he never knew and reunites with him and his family through a series of adventures in Southeast Asia. Along the way, he tracks down a lost dog tag belonging to a fellow veteran, reuniting him with a piece of his past. [... more]

A simple weekly review of your budget can help you stay on track and make intentional financial decisions. By asking six key questions, you can identify areas for improvement and make adjustments to align your spending with your values. This approach can help you develop good financial habits and achieve your long-term goals, while also considering the impact of your financial decisions on your relationships and community. [... more]

Carl Montgomery's story of redemption and faith is a powerful reminder that it's never too late to turn your life around. Growing up in a poor household with addicted parents, Carl found himself drawn to a gang lifestyle, but it was in prison that he discovered God's love and found the father figure he had always been searching for. Now, Carl is using his experiences to help others and share the love of Christ with those who need it most. [... more]

Joseph's story in Genesis 39 shows how he was protected by God's presence and protected from the silent killers of resentment, self-pity, and bitterness, even in the midst of difficult circumstances. [... more]

Josh Whitaker and Joe Hamer discuss estate planning, probate, and non-probate assets using Homer Simpson as an example. They explain how to make assets non-probate, update beneficiaries, and choose a guardian for underage children. They also recommend a revocable living trust for families with minor kids and discuss the importance of having a clear plan in place to avoid court involvement and family disputes. [... more]

God invites us into a better story where He sees, knows, and provides for our financial needs. Scripture shows us that God Himself is the source of all we have, and He gives us what we need, not always what we want, but His provision is wise, intentional, and rooted in His love. We can trust His provision today, and He may provide through people, opportunities, quiet moments, or renewed perspective. [... more]

The Bible teaches that God doesn't cause evil, but He does allow free will, and even in the worst situations, He can bring good out of pain and suffering. Christians are called to honor and respect their shared heritage with the Hebrew scriptures and live out their faith by blessing others, including the people of Israel. The importance of remembering God's goodness and faithfulness in the midst of suffering is emphasized, as well as the role of parents in providing a context for growth and discipline. [... more]

NFL quarterback Kirk Cousins shares his journey of generosity and the role of faith in managing finances, emphasizing the importance of trusting God and seeking wise counsel in making financial decisions. [... more]

A children's choir's visit to a nursing home brings joy to the residents, especially one elderly woman who is about to pass away, and a chance encounter with Santa Claus has a profound impact on her life and the lives of those around her. [... more]

John Rogers, a man from Missouri, has been playing Santa Claus for 21 years, bringing joy to children in hospitals and communities affected by disasters, including Hurricane Katrina. His story highlights the importance of selflessness, community, and service during the holiday season. [... more]

Building financial stability requires a solid emergency fund, strategic investments, and a clear understanding of savings and investments. A high-yield savings account can provide a safe and reliable return, while investments in gold and Bitcoin can offer a store of value and diversification. Effective financial planning involves managing risk, making informed decisions, and aligning investments with personal values and goals. [... more]

A local rancher shares his story of being a POW during the Battle of the Bulge, where he and other prisoners sang 'Silent Night' to calm the situation, and a poem is read about a soldier lying alone on Christmas Eve, highlighting the sacrifices made by soldiers for freedom. [... more]

The story of the widow's oil in 2 Kings 4 illustrates God's provision and the importance of faithfulness, wise counsel, and generosity in financial stewardship. The widow's reliance on God and obedience to His instructions demonstrate the balance between God's role and our role in meeting our needs. [... more]

Joel's story of how he came to understand the importance of humility in his life and how it has helped him navigate anxiety, pride, and spiritual warfare. He shares how humility is not just about thinking less of oneself, but about thinking of oneself less often, and how it is a key component of the Christian life, allowing us to live in the faithful hands of Jesus and find true strength and confidence. [... more]

Jesse Owens, a United States Olympic legend, faced racism and adversity at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, but found an unlikely friend in Luz Long, a German long jumper who shared his humanity and helped him overcome his struggles. [... more]

Christmas has been a time of celebration and sacrifice for American soldiers throughout history. From the harsh winter at Valley Forge to the bravery of soldiers in the Ardennes Forest, these stories highlight the resilience and camaraderie of those who have served. Meanwhile, the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea can be subtle, but the consequences can be severe. [... more]

The history of Christmas traditions and the evolution of Santa Claus, from Saint Nicholas to the modern-day figure, is a fascinating story that spans centuries. Clement Clark Moore's poem 'A Visit from St. Nicholas,' also known as 'The Night Before Christmas,' helped popularize the idea of Santa Claus as a jolly, gift-giving figure. Thomas Nast's illustrations further solidified the image of Santa, and the Christmas tree, a variation of the ancient Norse custom, became a central part of the family-oriented American Christmas. Meanwhile, the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea, a serious condition that affects millions, are often overlooked, and AI in business can be a double-edged sword, adding more complexity to an already overwhelming IT landscape. Pet insurance can provide peace of mind for pet owners, and holiday gifting can be a stressful but rewarding experience. [... more]

Don't let the unexpected events of life paralyze you with fear, but instead, learn to live boldly and trust in God's plan. Even when things don't make sense, remember that God is always working, and His ways are not our ways. Take the next step, cast your seed, and keep serving, knowing that God will do the unexpected and bring about His good in your life. [... more]

Many retirees struggle with rising costs and limited income, yet often overlook their home equity as a valuable resource. A reverse mortgage can provide a safer, more flexible option to tap into this asset, eliminating mortgage payments and offering a guaranteed line of credit for future expenses. Additionally, setting up a 401k plan can be a great tool for small businesses, offering tax benefits and encouraging employees to save for their future. Effective financial planning and stewardship are crucial for a secure retirement, and understanding the options available can make a significant difference in achieving long-term financial goals. [... more]

Charles Bowles, aka Black Bart, was a notorious stagecoach robber in the American West, known for his poetry and gentlemanly behavior. He robbed 29 stagecoaches, amassing a fortune, but was eventually caught and sentenced to seven years in San Quentin prison. After his release, he disappeared, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most fascinating figures in American history. [... more]

The identity of Jesus Christ is explored through the Bible, revealing his role as the creator of the universe, the generator of eternal life, and the one who sustains all things. His sufficiency is demonstrated through his power to uphold every detail of life and his ability to bring light in the darkness. [... more]

Solomon's observations on life under the sun reveal that wisdom is not always rewarded, but it's still the right way to live. He shares five unexpected surprises, including the fastest runner not winning the race, the strongest army not winning the battle, and the wisest person not being guaranteed basic food. Solomon encourages us to expect the unexpected and to cling to God's wisdom, which is better than might, and to trust in the Lord, our Savior, Jesus Christ. [... more]

Alzheimer's disease can be a challenging and isolating experience for families, but with early detection, caregiver support, and intergenerational activities, it's possible to build quality family time and make the best of the disease. A new children's book, Come Grandpa Meow, Let's Fly, offers a heartfelt story and guide to help families navigate Alzheimer's and foster a loving and respectful bond between generations. [... more]

Catherine Wolf shares her personal story of overcoming a massive stroke and finding hope and treasure in the darkness. She discusses how suffering impacts finances and the importance of surrendering to God's plan. Catherine also talks about her ministry, Hope Heals, and how it provides a sacred space for people with disabilities to belong and find community. [... more]

Paul the Apostle and his associate Timothy found joy in serving Jesus Christ, despite facing difficult places and circumstances. They discovered the plan of God in their lives, which led to a deeper understanding of joy and its connection to serving Jesus. As believers, we can learn from their example and find joy in our own lives by looking for the will of God in our circumstances and choosing to respond with joy, even in the midst of pain and suffering. [... more]

The presence of joy is an unmistakable badge of divine ownership, and it's an emotion that's deeply rooted in the Christian faith. Paul the Apostle, once a Pharisee who persecuted the church, experienced a profound transformation after meeting Jesus Christ, and his life was forever changed by the joy of the Lord. In this message, Skip Heitzig explores the concept of joy and how it's a byproduct of serving the Lord, rather than a direct pursuit. [... more]

A daughter's heartwarming story of her mother's secret devotion to her father, revealed through a simple family tradition of serving turnips at holiday meals, and the love that drove her to continue this tradition even after her father's passing. [... more]

The story of Ehud, a left-handed judge of Israel, who kills the king of Moab, Eglon, with an 18-inch dagger, and restores Israel to the promised land, demonstrating God's use of messy business to bring about good and the importance of understanding the history of God's people. [... more]

A father's heartwarming Christmas story about teaching his children the true meaning of Santa Claus and the importance of giving, as they learn about the spirit of kindness and generosity that defines the holiday season. [... more]

Stephen Davey shares the story of Abraham, a man who trusted God's promise despite unmet expectations and chronic disappointment, and how his faith in God's character gave him the strength to persevere and find hope in the midst of adversity. [... more]

God humbles a proud nation by delivering them into the hands of the Philistines, but then begins restoring hope through the miraculous birth of Samson, who is born to a barren woman and given the Nazarite vow to deliver Israel from the Philistines. Dr. Evans explains how God's power shows up when ours runs out and how Jesus Christ is the centerpiece of history, relating to us as we relate to him. [... more]

The story of the Pilgrims' journey to the New World and their first Thanksgiving is a testament to their courage, faith, and resilience in the face of struggle and sacrifice. Meanwhile, in the present day, experts discuss the implications of new laws and regulations on digital currency, stable coins, and the management of inherited IRAs, while also exploring the role of nonprofit organizations and the importance of living with an eternal perspective as stewards of God's resources. [... more]

Living with open hands and trusting God to bless others through us can transform us in the process. Chip Ingram shares his story of how generosity became a game-changer for him and how it can be an adventure that deepens our faith and multiplies joy. [... more]