Shine Global Network

When I left the law firm 19 years ago to help start a foundation dedicated to biblical generosity, I knew that I’d be engaged in helping people live generous lives. But I could not have foreseen how much that would involve family dynamics. Now, after working with many families across the country, I’m more convinced than ever of the importance of generosity for families. What do I mean? Many of us tend to think of generosity mainly in terms of what we’re giving away and what we’re giving to. How much will I give away, and how? What organizations or individuals will I give to? What causes will I support? These…

Editor’s Note: Corrie ten Boom, arrested for hiding Dutch Jews from the Nazis, survived the horrors of a concentration camp to astonish the world by forgiving her tormentors. Enjoy this excerpt of 7 Women and the Secret of Their Greatness and be exhorted to forgive as Corrie did. * Healing was linked to forgiveness, Corrie wrote. Each had something to forgive, whether it was a neighbor who had turned him in to the Nazi authorities or a vicious camp guard or a brutal soldier. In mid-May 1945 the Allies marched into Holland, to the unspeakable joy of the Dutch people. Despite the distractions of her work, Corrie was still restless, and she desperately missed…

Recently, my best friend hurt my feelings. We were having our morning phone call — something we do almost every day — and I was sharing with Jen about a tough experience I’d had in a ministry meeting the night before. She went into advice mode, suggesting what my part in the conflict could have been, and how I might avoid it in the future. I did not like it. “I’m too upset for feedback right now,” I said. “I’m getting off the phone.” And I hung up. Deep breaths and tears ensued. Calmer, I sent her a text, knowing that by now she was probably at her office. “I appreciate your…

Husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way. — 1 Peter 3:7 Women like it when you listen to them. They are funny that way. My wife often asks if I hear what she says: “Are you really listening to me?” Many times I’m not. I mean, I am, but I’m not. I hear words coming from her cute, perky lips, but I often fail to listen to the heart behind those words. The truth is I wish my wife wouldn’t talk so much. She could say what she is trying to say with way fewer adjectives and superlatives. She knows how to get to the point. She is aware that…

Try to shine as lights among the people of this world, as you hold firmly to the message that gives life.— Philippians 2:1516 CEV There’s a lot of talk about moonlight and how it lights up the night. But, actually, there’s no such thing as moonlight. The Moon doesn’t really shine at all; rather, when it’s in just the right place, the Moon reflects the Sun’s light. The Sun is the real star of the show (no pun intended)! The Sun gives off light, which means it’s luminous. But the Moon is illuminated, which means it’s lit up by reflecting the Sun’s light. On July 21, 1969, Neil Armstrong became the first man ever…

Have you ever had a fever so bad even the coldest levels A/C can’t seem to taper? That was me, on this particular morning. In the car, I was burning a hole through the seat. I was SO hot. Burning hot. My husband turned the air. I turned it back on. He turned it off. I turned it on. I couldn’t cool. We speeding down the highway. Why? Because we were headed to church. Have I told you all before, I don’t like to miss church? Come Sunday, I’ll be there. Come thinking of worshipping God, I can’t miss it. Come time to check the kids in, so I can…