Friends and Family Archives

Turning to the Bible for Hope

When you’re desperate for hope, you can find it in the Bible.

Jack relaxes with Laura Diachenko, his human, and Pastor Tom Hafer at the Gulf Coast Village in Cape Coral, Florida.

Jack the Comfort Dog Brings Joy to Seniors

Meet Jack, a Miniature Australian Shepherd who serves as a therapy dog for the seniors at Gulf Coast Village, a Volunteers of America-sponsored retirement community in Cape Coral, Florida.

Edward Grinnan with his beloved canine companion, Millie

Loving a Dog with Issues

By Edward Grinnan15 min read

Preview Edward Grinnan’s moving memoir and discover how prayer, training and a house in the woods helped his dog Marty’s behavior problems in this excerpt from Always By My Side.

Longing for a military son far away on deployment

Longing for a Son Far Away

By Edie Melson2 min read

A military mom is assured by God that her son is loved and protected.

Treating yourself with compassion during Lent

Giving Up Self-Criticism for Lent

By julia-attaway2 min read

A daughter struggling with serious self-image issues grapples with giving up criticism for Lent.

A military mom comes to truly appreciate the national anthem.

Standing with My Son

By Edie Melson2 min read

What the national anthem truly means to those who serve in the military.

Trading Love Stories at the Beach

By Diana Aydin2 min read

A beach vacation full of love, family and stories.

Learning about a positive attitude from a military son.

The Best Attitude for Tough Times

By Edie Melson2 min read

A military son teaches his mom about a positive approach to challenges.

Amy Wong, Winky, Millie and Edward Grinnan (l-r)

A Special Friendship Between Two Dogs

By Edward Grinnan8 min read

In this excerpt from Edward Grinnan’s new book, Always By My Side, a puppy from the country is mentored on the ways of the big city by an older dog who’s been around the block.